Unai Emery spoke of his pride after Aston Villa booked their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win at Preston North End.
The Villans will play at Wembley for the first time since 2020 next month, taking on Crystal Palace for a place in the final thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford (2) and Jacob Ramsey and Deepdale.
Emery was pleased to have secured progression in a historic, important competition, and is looking forward to seeing the supporters enjoy an occasion at the national stadium.
The Villa boss said: “Very happy, because I think we were aware about the responsibility we had in this competition, because our supporters, really, how they are feeling this way in the FA Cup and how important it is for them to try to get some special moments sharing with us.
“It’s really very important, through the competitions we are (in), but in the FA Cup as well, I think the most important cup in the world, and here in England, historic, prestige cup.
“To play semi-finals and going to Wembley I think will be very special, for the supporters, for everybody here as well, for the workers.
“Of course, it’s our challenge now. Our challenge to enjoy the way and challenge to play, performing like we are playing in this competition, and to be together and try to create feelings together with our supporters.”
The Spaniard also reserved praise for the performance of Rashford, after his brace gave the Villans a commanding lead either side of the hour mark.
Speaking on his performance, Emery added: “Fantastic. He is personally feeling better, comfortable, confident.
“Scoring goals of course is I think adding the confidence he needs, and of course helping us.
“I think the challenge we have – the club, the team, the squad and himself – is really one huge challenge to try to get together something, helping each one in our capacity to recover his best performances, and as well, adding us his qualities and his assists and his goals.”
