Club Brugge v Aston Villa: Emi Buendia optimistic about future despite summer upheaval | OneFootball

Emi Buendia says Villa’s future is bright as they begin their Champions League group-stage campaign at Club Brugge on Tuesday, arriving in Belgium still winless this season after a summer of upheaval.

As reported by ExpressAndStar.com, Unai Emery is bedding in 10 signings after losing more than half of May’s Europa League final starters. Buendia believes the coach’s clear structure and analysis will help newcomers settle and maintain a winning mindset away from home.

Injuries and suspension have checked progress. Only goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and striker Nicolas Jackson started Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Hull, while Leon Goretzka is among four signings yet to debut and is out until after the international break with a knee injury.

The 29-year-old is seeking to extend his resurgence. Loaned to Bayer Leverkusen midway through 2024-25 and available to leave last summer, he stayed and then delivered his best Villa season, scoring 11 goals including a stunning strike in May’s final win over Freiburg. He aims to remain important and help the new arrivals.

Europe kickstarted Villa last term after six winless matches. They expect a hard night at the Jan Breydelstadion, having lost there in the group stage two years ago when Tyrone Mings conceded a penalty for picking up an Emi Martinez goal-kick. Later that season they avenged it in the last-16, the away leg tight until two late goals turned the tie.

Buendia sees Brugge as a timely test to change momentum, rebuild confidence and push for the results they want.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”