Fenerbahçe’s head coach, Domenico Tedesco, is rallying his team to embody a “fearless DNA” in anticipation of their significant Europa League clash against Aston Villa this Thursday. Speaking to the press, Tedesco expressed deep admiration for Unai Emery’s squad, highlighting that Villa’s impressive form, which sees them level with Manchester City in the Premier League, is precisely why his players should embrace the opportunity.
Aston Villa is set to visit Istanbul with an impressive track record, having claimed six wins out of seven in their European campaigns this season, with their only defeat being an unexpected setback against Go Ahead Eagles. The team is currently vying for a prestigious position in the league phase alongside Midtjylland and Lyon.
Despite the challenge posed by Villa’s stats, Tedesco emphasized that Fenerbahçe will not shy away from the confrontation. “We don’t need to hide,” he asserted confidently. “This is why we wake up in the morning—to compete against teams of this caliber. Regardless of the opponent, we must stay true to our identity.”
The coach is also keen to leverage the renowned, intimidating atmosphere of the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, which he believes serves as a crucial advantage. With an eye on securing their fourth win of the campaign, Tedesco is convinced that the synergy between his team’s current morale and the roaring support of the home crowd will make Fenerbahçe a formidable opponent.
“The backing we receive is phenomenal; it gives us that extra motivation,” Tedesco noted. “It will be a tough evening for Villa. Honestly, I don’t think any team in Europe would want to face us at home right now.”
As Aston Villa looks to secure vital points in their pursuit of automatic qualification, Tedesco is calling for a bold display from his team, which has the potential to disrupt the upper ranks of the table. His directive is straightforward: adapt to the threats posed by Villa while maintaining the aggressive play style that has characterized his leadership in Istanbul.