Richard Dunne has warned Aston Villa not to make the same Champions League error as Newcastle United.
The former Republic of Ireland star says Villa have the talent, and experienced manager, to reach the last eight among Europe’s elite, ahead of their clash with Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich. But Dunne says Villa have to prioritise a top four finish and Champions League qualification again this season - a feat which eluded Newcastle last term.
Dunne reckons the only way for Villa to make a long term breakthrough is to keep qualifying for the top competition in Europe rather than this be a one off.
Last season Newcastle failed to get out of their tough group stage, and during an injury hit campaign went on to finish seventh and miss out on playing in any UEFA competitions this season.
Dunne said: “I think being a regular Champions League team will be more important to Villa than making it to the latter stages as a one-off. I’d be shocked if they won it this year, so they can only get back in by finishing in the top four or five in the league this season. Newcastle missed out on Europe altogether after being in the Champions League and Villa won’t want that to happen.
“Villa have a deep enough squad to compete on both fronts, but I don’t think they’ll be pushing in the Champions League all the way until the end of the season. The priority has to be qualifying for the competition again next season. All the glory of the competition is lovely, but the Premier League is the bread and butter.”
Villa have to use their home games as a platform to progress and speaking to BetVictor , Dunne said: “Aston Villa have enough experience in their manager, Unai Emery, to finish in the top eight of the Champions League league phase.
“He’s very important to them. He’s been through European competitions with different clubs and won trophies, so he understands how it works. Finishing in the top eight will be difficult, but Villa are a very strong team, especially defensively.
“If they can beat Bayern Munich then they can definitely finish in the top eight. They need to win their home games, regardless of who they’re against, that’s so important.
“Villa Park can play a huge part in their journey through the competition because it’s not like any other European ground. It’s got a different sort of passion about it and once it gets rocking, it’ll be a tough place for any opposition player to play.”