Aston Villa manager Unai Emery and midfielder Youri Tielemans have played down the potential perils of playing on a synthetic pitch when the Villans make their debut in the modern Champions League at Young Boys on Tuesday (5.45pm BST).
The Swiss side introduced the surface at their Wankdorf Stadium home in 2014 to lower costs and help them to host other events, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola saying grass would be “better” before his side won 3-1 in Bern last October.
“We decided to come here because we wanted to know and adapt to the synthetic pitch,” said Emery, explaining why Villa had changed plans in order to train on the turf.
“We are ready and we are not going to use it as an excuse because we can play as we are and show our personality on a synthetic pitch.”
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Aston Villa vs Young Boys
Tielemans played in the Champions League with former clubs Anderlecht and Monaco. “I wouldn’t say we’re concerned,” the Belgium international said.
“We’ve all played on astroturf in our youth careers. When you’re used to playing on Premier League pitches, on good grass, it’s different.
“That’s why we’re training here and getting used to the surface. We’re not making it an excuse tomorrow.”
Villa Champions League team news
Three-time Europa League winner Emery oversaw a 2-0 home win and 4-1 away victory against Young Boys as Villarreal manager during the 2021-22 Champions League group stage.
Swiss champions last year, Young Boys beat Galatasaray in the play-offs to reach the Champions League group phase but have made a dismal start to the Swiss Super League season by their standards, sitting bottom of the table and winless after six matches.
“They are very organised and have a lot of pace with their strikers and wingers,” said Emery. “They are good in transitions and very good physically as well.”
Emery said attacker Leon Bailey could start following a hamstring injury, while Tielemans described the anticipation among Villa fans.
“When I’m in the street just walking around, I’m seeing Villa fans being very excited about the Champions League and our performances as a team,” said the 27-year-old. “There is a big buzz around and we feel that as players.”
