Aston Villa: Dan Bardell reacts to what Jamie Carragher said about Villa Park ‘setback’

Dan Bardell reports that despite Jamie Carragher’s comments after Aston Villa’s FA Cup loss to Chelsea, Aston Villa would achieve more for English football if they finished in the top four.

The pundit claimed that Villa’s 3-1 loss to the Blues on February 7 was a “setback for English football” since it implied that the same teams will probably win the cup tournaments this year in a piece published on The Telegraph website on February 9.

The richest clubs typically win the main titles, he continued, but he emphasized that the Villans must “seize their moment” since more competitors are required in the domestic leagues.

Bardell feels that Unai Emery’s team should focus more on qualifying for the Champions League than winning the FA Cup since that would demonstrate that success is possible even in the face of financial support from other Premier League teams.

“I can see his viewpoint, but I think it’s more looking at it from a league point of view,” Bardell stated in an exclusive interview with Villa News.

“Villa is now fighting for a spot in the top four, while Chelsea is merely mediocre in the league, sitting in the middle of the table.

“I would say it’s better for English football if Villa finish in the top four and show that it can be done despite some of the money these teams have spent rather than who wins the FA Cup.

“I think Chelsea have always been a decent cup side, they’ve won a lot of trophies over the past 10 to 20 years.

“But on what Jamie Carragher said, it’s more important that Villa finish in the top four than win the FA Cup in terms of English football.”

Aston Villa have battle on their hands to earn Champions League football

Villa has faced a number of challenges recently, including unfavorable results and an injury issue that they are trying to manage.

Although finishing in the top four will be difficult for them, if they do it this season, it will show all the other Premier League teams that they can compete for a Champions League spot.

Even though there is still a long way to go until anything is decided, Emery will want to make sure his team is competitive all the way to the very end.