Reflections on Conference League

[adrenachrome]

Enjoyed being in the competition and the progress but not been impressed with the performances.

That changes later today. Finally we'll take the competition seriously. No excuses. Can't  wait!

I agree.

We haven't gone "full gun" in this competition yet. We have saved that for specific PL games.

I have said before that despite uneven form this year, we still have a good performance in the bag.

[Dante Lavelli]

Brilliant.  And essential for our continued grow. 

[ChicagoLion]

I wanted us to qualify but I have not been invested in it.
I wanted us to get the experience of playing in Europe but would have been ok with us getting knocked out before the quarter final stage even though I hate it when we lose. For me the league is much more important.

My concern has always been that as fatigue and injuries set in we could miss out on Champions League and winning the Conference, this is the prospect we are facing right now.
I have not found the European games any where near as exciting or as satisfying as the PL performances against Citeh, Arse Twice, Bournemouth etc.
It would be great to get through tonight but I would chose beating Liverpool on Monday night.

[Rigadon]

Agree with Chicago above.  It’s been a great learning curve for the team with more illustrious competitions ahead (hopefully the most illustrious).  But I’ve cared way more about the league games. 

I really hope we do something special tonight.  But I won’t be heart broken if we don’t (so long as we get over the line in the league). 

[j66acd]

One of the goals I’ve celebrated the most this season is McGinn against Zrjinski at home. I’ve loved every second of it, really frustrating at times especially in terms of our performances. We’ve only really turned it on twice against AZ away and Ajax at home.

I was gutted last week, genuine chance to win something and to fall so close to the end would be terrible.

[Nii Lamptey]

Went into it thinking it would just be a platform to get used to midweek games and travelling for the players, not really bothered about winning it - but now I'm absolutely desperate for us to go all the way.

It's given me my first ever experience of a European away match, having managed to get out to Ajax and Lille. Wonderful trips, drinking, chatting with mates and rival fans - Memories that will last a lifetime. I think a lot of us are invested in it now - We've been starved of success, and more importantly, trophies, for so long, we are desperate to win something. I think it would be the perfect bookend to an unbelievable season too - Unai and the players have moved mountains this season, and they absolutely deserve that trophy and winners medals for their efforts this season.

I know we have it in us to get over this final hurdle tonight. I'm a believer mate!

UTV

[Demitri_C]

The closest thing to cup winners cup for me

We got shafted on the draws thats for sure as we have been given the hardest possible route to the final

Been enjoyable. The away games have been a mixed bag

[Holte L2]

I've done all of the homes.  And Legia, Alkmaar, Ajax and Lille away.   

I've enjoyed it immensely. The homes have been extra special as I've been able to take my 17 year old to his first European Home matches.  Quite surreal when his first Villa match was Steve Bruce's first match 1-1 at Home to Wolves.  He's had a season ticket ever since that match!

The aways have been wonderful.  I've met some fantastic people and made some new Villa mates on my travels.  It's been great Visiting some new Cities and taking in the pre-match atmosphere.  At times Its felt like I've been living the dream.  They have all been great trips.

Flights booked for the Final in Athens and will be going regardless, this time with the wife and kids in toe as it's School holidays.   

[Dick Edwards]

Given we were the bookies favourites to win this competition games have been a lot more difficult than many on here expected. With the exception of A Z away and Ajax at home every other game has been challenging. It's been a great experience for both the players and the fans before we step up to a higher level next season, and the management/owners will know we need to carry a larger squad to be competitive to the end.

[dorsetvillian]

Really enjoyed the experience. Been to all home and 4 aways. Hopefully the experience gained will be vital in the next few seasons  of European football

[Mister E]

Hopefully, it is good experience for the CL next season but - as Chicago says above - Monday is a massive game for us (unless Spurs screw up against Burnley).
Right now, I'm fully invested in tonight's game.

[VillaTim]

I'd describe it as a useful "hors d'ouevres" ahead of competing in the future in major European competitions.

[Pat Mustard]

It's been fantastic, and I'll be gutted if we go out tonight.  It's brilliant to see European football back at Villa Park, and having the chance to go to one of the away games (Lille) almost 20 years after my last European away was a real treat.

Being in it will undoubtedly be a benefit for tougher European ties next year - far too few of our squad had experience of the demands of the extra games, travelling etc., so this was invaluable.  Also, for all of the injuries and fatigue we may be suffering now, it's worth reflecting on the fact that without the additional games in the Conference League we almost certainly couldn't have carried the squad size we have.  I doubt we would have been able to carry a squad with the likes of Lenglet, Zaniolo and even Tielemans this season if we didn't have the bonus of the additional games that mean all have got plenty of regular football, so without the Conference we could still be in exactly the same or an even worse position with the long-term injuries we've had this year.

[Axl Rose]

I've enjoyed it more than the Premier League this season, in the respect that it's been more unpredictable (and not swamped with utter.******)

It's also made me a bit homesick for Europe for the first time in my life, really. I would've gone to all the away games, ticket or no ticket, if I lived a bit closer.

[darren woolley]

It's been brilliant I've really enjoyed the Europa Conference League I've been to every home European game it's been good for us.