Emery and Postecoglou look to Europa League boost as Villa, Forest return to Europe

Unai Emery will be hoping a return to the Europa League can help kickstart Aston Villa’s stuttering season, while Nottingham Forest prepare for their first European campaign in three decades under new boss Ange Postecoglou.

Emery, the most successful manager in Europa League history with four titles — three with Sevilla and one with Villarreal — has seen his Villa side struggle early in the Premier League. After five games, they remain winless and only registered their first goal of the season in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at 10-man Sunderland.

“Our start, we’ve not been doing well,” admitted Emery. “There is still work to do; some players are adapting in the squad and our idea… Others were here last year and know how we want to build the team.”

Despite a strong Champions League run last season that ended in a 5-4 aggregate defeat to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, Villa missed out on a return to Europe’s top competition and now play in the Europa League main draw for the first time since 2008-09.

Villa host Bologna on Thursday — a team they beat 2-0 last October in the Champions League — as the Italian Cup winners make their first appearance in Europe since lifting their last major trophy in 1974.

Postecoglou’s Forest face Real Betis

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, begin their first European campaign since 1995-96 with a visit to Real Betis on Wednesday. New manager Ange Postecoglou, who led Tottenham to a rare trophy last season, is still looking for his first win at Forest after two defeats and a League Cup exit. Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Burnley offered a glimpse of improvement.

Postecoglou, sacked by Spurs in June after their worst Premier League season, is aiming to bring his trademark attacking style to the two-time European champions.

“I do like my teams to play exciting football and score goals,” he said after taking over. “No apologies about that.”

Forest face a tough challenge in Real Betis, managed by veteran coach Manuel Pellegrini and featuring former Manchester United winger Antony, who recently signed a five-year deal after a successful loan. Betis were runners-up in last season’s UEFA Conference League, reaching their first ever European final.

Celtic, Rangers and other contenders

Elsewhere in the competition, both Celtic and Rangers dropped into the Europa League after falling short in the Champions League qualifiers. Brendan Rodgers leads Celtic to Serbia to face Red Star Belgrade — a clash between former European champions.

Rangers, amid their worst domestic start since 1978, continue to face pressure off the pitch. Fans protested during Saturday’s League Cup win over Hibernian, calling for manager Russell Martin’s dismissal. “It’s become about me, not by my choice,” said Martin.

Two-time winners Porto open against Salzburg, while Dutch giants Feyenoord — now coached by Robin van Persie — travel to Braga.

Roma, twice Europa League runners-up, start their campaign at home to Nice, while Fenerbahce, who recently dismissed Jose Mourinho after failing to qualify for the Champions League, play away at Dinamo Zagreb.

As clubs across Europe begin their quests for silverware in UEFA’s second-tier competition, many will be looking for the Europa League not only as a trophy opportunity — but as a turning point in troubled domestic seasons.