"I think it’s about mentality. We deserve to be in this position. It comes from the manager. The mentality has changed completely. When we do lose we want to bounce back straight away.

"It’s a big motivation. For us, we want to put things right. The first game at Ajax was a tough game and obviously it came on the back of a tough defeat. It’s a perfect to have this game after and it and we have been saying that it’s good to have lots of games quick and fast. You can bounce back when you lose.

"Obviously we are in a fantastic position. That’s credit to everyone connected to the club- the fans, the players, staff. We are disappointed from the weekend, but have a lot of games. We have a huge game tomorrow. We have to think to the next game and be positive.

"It’s been great for a lot of players to experience different things. Travelling abroad has been good with the rest of the boys. We started off the European campaign with a defeat. I think we took a lot from that game in Poland. Since then we have bounced back really well. Tomorrow night will be another tough test.

"Every atmosphere at Villa Park has been special. I think tomorrow is another special one. I am sure the Villa fans will be ready for it. They are massive for us at home. Playing at home is a big advantage for us.

"Europe is really good and every team which qualifies are all fantastic teams. You can learn from that in itself. You play against the best in the Premier League anyway. It just adds another dimension and experience for everyone.

"They have lots of strengths and they are a young team too. Our job is to stop them using their strengths. All over the park they are a strong side. We are ready, they’ll be ready and will prepare well.

"It would be great. The main focus for us is to bounce back, get a good result and focus on ourselves.”

Matty Cash, pre-match.


"This feels amazing. We scored four in Europe, at home. The atmosphere was buzzing tonight - it's a good time to be a Villa fan! We're through to the quarter-finals of the Conference League.

We've had a lot of good performances this season and this was another one. We were great as a team, the individual quality was on show and we didn't give Ajax many opportunities. We were in control from the beginning of the game until the end.

"I will definitely be watching it. We'll see who we play, but I'm just happy to be in it.”

Leon Bailey, post match.


"We're happy, it was very important. We tried to connect with our supporters. After the first leg we were analysing with the players and we knew before the match we needed to play better than we did there.

"The match was a bit slow in the first half. When we scored a second goal and they had a red card it was easier for us."

"I'm very happy. We played very well and did what we set out to achieve. We imposed ourselves and kept the opposition under control. We played with positive energy. Obviously it was easier after the red card but I think we were playing similarly in the first half.

"It's not enough. I want more. I respect all our opponents, I'm constantly looking to learn. I have had some great experiences in Europe and now I want to have them here with Aston Villa. Of course we dream of a trophy but we are just looking to whoever the next opponent is.

"It's experience for us. Confidence. Trying to feel strong. We did it here with our supporters."

Unai Emery, post match.


"Tough game. It's hard to stand here and put it into words straight after the game. We've been beaten quite easily in the end which is disappointing.

"I felt we were in the game at the end of the first half. We conceded a second goal which was poor on our behalf and then it's always tough at that point. To go 10 men it's very difficult to come back against a good side. Injuries and everything started to go wrong.

"If we'd kept it at 1-0 for longer we could have hurt them but we were well beaten in the end. Villa are a good side.

"I thought it [red card] was harsh but I won't make that as an excuse. It was a difficult moment for us. That's football. You have to deal with those things.

"Unfortunately it wasn't our night."

Ajax captain Jordan Henderson.


"Great performance, a good reaction from the weekend. It stung us. A chance to get a European quarter-finals for the first time in a long time.

"A good night at Villa Park and I'm delighted with some of the players on the scoresheet. A bit of a worry with Ollie Watkins and Diego Carlos - we'll see how they are.

"It’s going to lift us definitely. it's been a tough few days. We didn't perform in the big game.

"Tonight was a big game. A big reaction needed. We showed a reaction.

"It's up there [with his best nights at Villa]. We want to achieve more. Tonight we've given the fans one to remember but we don't want to stop here.

"We didn't want the journey to end tonight. Much better than the last two games for sure.

"I'm proud of them, it's been a tough few days. They need to rest up for Sunday."

Villa captain John McGinn.


"Tonight was a brilliant night for the whole team and the fans. The atmosphere was brilliant.

"We're really happy with the result. We showed good character and spirit. We made it very difficult for them tonight.

"I was happy I could get the second goal, it was much needed.

"I've had a lot of discussions with the manager and he always tries to give me confidence. He
always lets me know when I need to step up my game. I've been working with the staff members a lot in training about how to get more time on the ball and get more space.

"When I'm on the pitch I feel better in terms of my movement.

"It was difficult for me when I first came because I didn't have a pre-season. I kept trying to come back and getting injured.

"Since the manager came in a lot has changed for me. I feel more relaxed and have more energy.

"It's really paying off. Details, that's why things have been going so great.

"It's an exciting moment for everyone. We should all be proud of where we are. We've worked very hard to be where we are. Enjoy the moment and stay humble and hopefully we can move further.

"It [Watkins’ injury] looked really bad when I saw it. It was an open wound. I didn't want him to come off but Jhon Duran did brilliantly. It was sad to see him come off."

Leon Bailey.


"We were how we needed to face them here with our supporters at Villa Park with our quality on the pitch. The second half was easier for us after the red card. We are very happy because we are motivated in this competition.

"It's not enough. I want more. I respect all our opponents, I'm constantly looking to learn. I have had some great experiences in Europe and now I want to have them here with Aston Villa. Of course we dream of a trophy but we are just looking to whoever the next opponent is.

"The shape more or less is to play and get players in combinations and players running in behind. Start with 4-4-2 but at the end it’s how we play with the players dropping in helping in the build up, that’s the most important shape after the combination with the players.

Unai Emery, post match.