Aston Villa want more Premier League help after Lille granted weekend break

Villa want the Premier League to provide more help for clubs competing in Europe after Thursday's opponents Lille were granted the weekend off.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins (centre) during a training session at the Bodymoor Heath Training Ground, Birmingham. Picture date: Wednesday April 10, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Villa. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

The French League allowed Lille to postpone their scheduled Division One trip to Monaco, meaning they will have a full week to prepare for next next week’s Europa Conference League quarter-final second leg.

Villa, by contrast, face another important Premier League fixture away at leaders Arsenal on Sunday, less than 72 hours after Thursday's first leg tie in Birmingham.

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“I think it is better for the English teams, if we are in Europe, the Premier League can support as well,” said boss Unai Emery, when the subject of Lille’s weekend break was put to him during the pre-match press conference.

Though Villa have not requested for any matches to be moved or postponed, it is thought the suggestion the league should offer greater assistance has been made informally in conversations with officials.

The scheduling of last month’s home fixture against Tottenham, less than 72 hours after an away Conference League tie at Ajax, is understood to have been the source of some frustration. Villa were beaten 4-0 in a match which kicked off at 1pm on a Sunday.

A strong performance by English clubs in Europe will also boost the Premier League’s chances of securing an extra Champions League place and is seen as another reason for the league to be more considerate of the schedule in future seasons.

France's Professional Football League (LFP) directly referenced the importance of its co-efficient when confirming Lille, Marseille and Paris St-Germain would be allowed to postpone this weekend’s matches.

“The progress of French clubs in European Cups is an absolute priority,” read a statement. "All points scored are fundamental for France's Uefa co-efficient.

"Football constitutes a national flagship and, through the performances of clubs at European level, it allows France to shine internationally."

Emery refused to say the weekend break would give Lille an advantage in the tie but admitted: “For the preparation, it is better. Whether it is an advantage, I don’t know exactly.

“We have to accept and we have to adapt in our schedule. We are going to do it.”