Emi Martínez is expecting a stern test when Aston Villa face AZ Alkmaar but insists “we are up for it”.
Villa are in the Netherlands for matchday 3 of their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign, marking the halfway stage in Group E.
Following a 3-2 defeat away to Legia Warszawa, Unai Emery’s side recorded a dramatic 1-0 victory over HŠK Zrinjski last time out.
It leaves all four teams tied on three points in the group standings ahead of Villa’s clash at AZ Stadion.
And goalkeeper Martínez is looking forward to Thursday’s challenge.
Asked whether he thinks this is the toughest game of the group so far, Martínez replied: “We thought that until we faced Legia away, it was a real shock as well, the atmosphere was great.
“We started losing the game within a minute, so we learned from that mistake.
“We then played a home game against Zrinjski and we only beat them in the final minute of the game.
“And AZ, we know how strong they are. They were in the semi-finals last season, they like to play out from the back.
“They’re a strong side, their goalscorer is in a good position right now, scoring goals.
“It will be a good test, but we are up for it.”
Villa are currently flying high in fifth place in the Premier League and enjoying a five-match unbeaten run.
Unai Emery’s side are also in the midst of a stunning 11-match winning sequence in the league at Villa Park stretching back to March.
And with full focus now on Europe, Martínez was under no illusions as to how important the Conference League campaign is this season.
“It’s massive,” said the Argentina World Cup winner.
“It’s a European competition, I know it’s new but we know how difficult it is.
“We played Legia away, we lost, it was a shock, everyone expected us to win so we learned from that game.
“And we expect a big game, big atmosphere tomorrow and we are more prepared than (we were against) Legia.”
Speaking to media at the pre-match press conference in Alkmaar, Martínez spoke of his delight at working under head coach Emery.
The Villa No.1 revealed “when he signed for the club I was over the moon” and, speaking about the Spaniard, added “for me, he’s one of the top five managers in the world right now”.
Emery has an illustrious record in European competition and has tasted success on multiple occasions.
And looking ahead, Martinez was asked what it would mean to him to win silverware with Villa.
“It would be very emotional,” he said.
“It was my aim when I signed for the club. I left my old club winning trophies and if I come and manage to bring Villa into the Champions League or European competition, it will be a dream. We’ve done that.
“I’m playing in European competition for Villa. It’s not Champions League but it’s still European competition, after 15 years the club hasn’t been in a European night.
“So, it’s a good achievement. And the next step is to win a trophy or play in the Champions League and I won’t stop until I’ve done it.”