Emery warns Villa against complacency ahead of Viking test

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery urged his players to maintain full focus on Wednesday as the club prepare to host Norwegian champions Viking at Villa Park in UEFA Champions League Matchday Three.

Emery acknowledged Viking's quality despite their underdog status, pointing to their recent draw against Bayern Munich as evidence they cannot be underestimated. "They drew against Bayern Munich last week, they lost against Stuttgart. They are with Bodø/Glimt in the league, first and second with the same points," the Spaniard said.

The Villa head coach described Viking as a physically intense side capable of switching between a high press and a deep defensive block. "They are very intense. Defensively, high press, very, very intense, getting a lot of duels, and they are good. They are very strong in set-pieces – very, very strong," Emery added.

Villa head into the match with six points from their first two Champions League fixtures, though Emery was careful to keep expectations in check. "In Champions League, we have now six points, it's something amazing, but very difficult, and to keep the same way we are is our challenge," he said.

The manager also addressed the development of Johan Manzambi, who has scored two goals in four appearances this season. "He's in the process to learn, to help us, to adapt. He's going quick, he's scoring goals, he's playing well, but he has a lot of things to work to improve," Emery said.

Emery noted Villa's domestic form remains below expectations — the club sit 12th in the Premier League with eight points from seven games — making European progress all the more important. He stressed that finishing in the Champions League top eight is a target rather than a guarantee. "We are not favourites, we are not contenders, but tomorrow we have a very good opportunity to try to play, to try to compete, to try to win."

Kickoff at Villa Park on Wednesday is scheduled for 8pm.