- Tyrone Mings has reflected on Aston Villa’s journey to the Europa League final, labelling it as “amazing”
- The Villans take on SC Freibrug at Besiktas Park in Istanbul
Tyrone Mings stands alongside John McGinn as one of two players who have been with Aston Villa since the Championship. On Wednesday night, his team will be playing in their first European final in 44 years, giving him the chance to write his name in the history books.
The journey from the second tier of English football to the grandest stage in the Europa League highlights the incredible transformation Villa has undergone under Unai Emery.
Now, as the squad stands on the verge of immortality, whilst he may not feature, his leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the immense occasion does not overwhelm the job at hand.
Speaking ahead of the final, the towering centre-back was quick to separate the romance of the fan experience from the ruthless business of winning, demanding absolute mental clarity from his teammates before a ball is kicked.
Focus on the ultimate goal
“It’s been an amazing lesson of perseverance, resilience and constant adaptability. I’m so happy for the supporters that they’ve shared this journey because we’re all conscious that there are other generations of Villa fans that have seen European success.
“Us being able to contribute to that, certainly the players that have been in a long, long time, feels a little bit more special. It’s been an amazing journey and one that I’m extremely proud of.
“I think enjoying the occasion is really important, but everybody enjoys the occasion if they win, ultimately. Everybody enjoys them a little bit more if you’re on the right side of the result.
“Although we want to enjoy it, we certainly think that the enjoyment is reserved for the fans and for everybody associated with the club who can separate themselves from the playing side of it on Wednesday evening.
“For the players, we recognise that we need to enjoy it, but we will absolutely enjoy it more if we win.”
Progress through the season
Looking back on their progress through the season, the 33-year-old admitted the road to Istanbul was extremely tricky. He credited the quality of depth and unity as a squad for navigating the turbulent periods.
“I think this season has been a stop-start one in terms of periods of good things and periods of things that we’re not so proud of.
“I remember doing an interview from a few months back, saying that at the end of the season, the group that is able to maintain calm the best, will find themselves successful at the end of the season.
“I think we’ve demonstrated that as a group of players, blocking out the external noise at times, putting some pretty poor performances behind us and being able to go again. That has been a 20+ man effort because everybody’s contributed something at different times.
“Everybody should feel proud of their contribution, both this season and in previous seasons. This season has the ability to be quite a special one.”
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Ultimately, Mings’ words encapsulate the exact mentality the squad has showcased in the last month or so. While thousands of travelling supporters descend on Istanbul to soak up the occasion, the players are operating on an entirely different wavelength.
Mings’ message makes it clear that history remembers winners, not merely finalists. By channelling their season-long resilience into this single, high-stakes match, Villa have a golden opportunity to bridge generations of glory.
The stage is set for a historic night, but for Mings and his teammates, the true enjoyment will only begin once the trophy is secured.
