Tyrone Mings believes Aston Villa’s crisis with Celtic has made “a classic” in the Champions League meeting and says they must not allow it. 1-0 loss to Monaco Tuesday to dampen their faith.
Unai Emery questioned the mentality of some of his players as Villa slipped to their second European defeat of the season against the Ligue 1 side.
Mings insisted Villa must swallow the disappointment when they return to Premier League action at home to West Ham on Sunday. Villa then host Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic next Wednesday.
Asked about the so-called Battle of Britain at Villa Park, Mings replied: “We always deal with pressure and big games and this is a game that will hopefully be a classic for the right reasons.
“We will give everything to come out on the right side of this. We know it will be a tough game but now everything is gearing up for West Ham, a tough game for a number of reasons.
Emery said Villa blew the chance to finish in the top eight and automatically qualify for the last 16 after Wilfred Singor’s winner in Monaco, but it remained mathematically possible.
“It’s one we’re really looking forward to,” Mings said. “We cannot let anything affect our mood. I think whether we win, draw or lose, our level of focus should be exactly the same in the next game.
Mings has started Villa’s last five games since returning from a serious knee injury in October. The 31-year-old suffered a second anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him out of action for 445 days and was doubtful to play again.
After newsletter circulation
“I’m feeling good, I’ve probably surprised myself and a few of the medical staff with how I’ve coped with the games I’ve played so far. We are preparing well, we have great nutrition and we have a great recovery strategy so I am just focused on staying fit, playing well and contributing to what can be a good second half of the season.”
