Aston Villa Warned As Matanović Lays Out Freiburg’s Final Plan: What Must They Do To Claim The Trophy? | OneFootball

Freiburg striker Igor Matanović has made it clear that Aston Villa should expect a brutal battle from the German side in Wednesday’s Europa League final in Istanbul. Speaking to Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old outlined a straightforward intention: to press Villa hard from the first whistle and suffocate their rhythm before they find their footing.

Aston Villa warned as Matanović lays out Freiburg’s final plan

Freiburg have reached their first-ever continental final, meeting Villa at Beşiktaş Park in a historic occasion for the Black Forest club. They won all seven of their home Europa League fixtures this season and saw off Braga 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-finals. Their route to the final, through Genk, Celta Vigo, and Braga, was impressive, even if the gap in squad depth between the two clubs is massive.

How Aston Villa’s opponents plan to win in Istanbul?

Matanović was direct about Freiburg’s intentions. He said the side want to make it a home game by playing with intensity from the off, giving Villa no breathing room and keeping them from settling into any sort of rhythm. He acknowledged the squad value difference is enormous; 12 of Matanović’s 15 goals in 2025/26 have come in 2026, while Vincenzo Grifo leads all Freiburg and Villa players in goal contributions this season with five goals and four assists.

“We are at least the second-best team in the Europa League, but we want to become the best. We’re extremely proud and happy. But of course, we want to win the title in the final,” he said.

“We want to make it a home game by playing with intensity right from the start. That will then transfer to the stadium. And also to Aston Villa. They’ll realise that we’re a tough opponent, and if we manage that, then our chances are good.

“We don’t want to give Aston Villa any breathing room and want to perform at our highest level. Of course, Aston Villa is a strong opponent, but if we don’t let them get into their rhythm, it will be difficult for them.”

“Of course, on paper we’re the underdogs. And the squad stats speak for themselves,” he added.

“The difference is enormous. But we mustn’t forget where we came from, where we were at the start of the season, and the progress we’ve made. And when we play with the fans behind us, who give us so much energy every time, we’re almost unbeatable.”

Even with that kind of form, Matanović accepts that Freiburg are the underdogs on paper. However, he isn’t bothered by the odds, telling Sport Witness that the club’s journey this season proves money doesn’t always buy results on the pitch.

For Freiburg, winning this would be their first major trophy in 122 years of existence as a club, and a victory would also send them to the Champions League for the first time in their history. With stakes like that, they will arrive in Istanbul with absolutely nothing to lose.

What must Aston Villa do to claim the trophy?

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 19: Unai Emery head coach of Aston Villa attends a press conference one day ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 at Besiktas Park on May 19, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Francisco Seco – Pool/Getty Images)

Emery‘s side head into the final with considerable momentum. Villa are chasing their first major trophy in 30 years, and a first European title since their European Cup triumph in 1982. The 4-2 win over Liverpool last Friday, with Ollie Watkins bagging a brace to reach 19 goals for the season, gave the squad a sharp edge going into the week. Tyrone Mings and Victor Lindelöf both picked up knocks against Liverpool but are expected to be available for Wednesday, while Amadou Onana is targeting a return for the final.

Villa’s smartest move is to simply resist the temptation to match Freiburg’s chaotic energy in the opening twenty minutes. Freiburg’s entire game plan relies on a high-intensity start to rattle Villa early, and Emery’s side can’t afford to fall into that trap. Villa are technically superior and far better equipped to slow the game down and keep possession.

If they weather the early storm, stay compact, and let Watkins exploit the space behind on the counter, Freiburg’s energy will inevitably drop. Emery has won four of his five previous European finals, and he knows firsthand that patience in those opening exchanges is what usually cracks a game open. Aston Villa’s experience on big nights, built steadily under Emery, gives them the edge, but only if they stay calm and refuse to be rushed.