New Delhi, Sep 23 (NationPress) Unai Emery aims for a revival in Aston Villa’s season with a return to the Europa League this week, while Nottingham Forest sets off on their first European adventure in thirty years.

Emery, the most accomplished manager in Europa League history, has secured the trophy three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal, in addition to leading Arsenal to the 2019 final.

However, his current squad has faced difficulties in the domestic league. Villa remains without a win in their opening five Premier League matches and struggled to find the net until a 1-1 draw against 10-man Sunderland on Sunday.

“We haven’t started well,” the Spaniard expressed, visibly frustrated after the draw. “There is still work ahead; some players are adjusting to our philosophy, and they need time. Others, who were here last year, understand our vision and how we achieved success over the past three years.”

Villa reached the quarterfinals of last season’s Champions League, losing 5-4 on aggregate to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain. After narrowly missing out on qualifying again, they now embark on their first Europa League main-draw campaign since 2008-09, starting at home against Bologna on Thursday — a rematch of their 2-0 victory over the Italians in last October's Champions League.

Similarly, Nottingham Forest’s new manager Ange Postecoglou is familiar with the thrill of Europa League triumph. Appointed recently, he ended Tottenham’s long quest for silverware by defeating Manchester United in last season’s final. Nevertheless, he is still hunting for his first win at Forest after two losses, including an early exit from the League Cup, and a 1-1 draw at Burnley.

“I prefer my teams to play entertaining football and score goals,” Postecoglou stated upon his arrival at the City Ground, which is home to the 1979 and 1980 European Cup champions. “I make no apologies for that. It’s simply my philosophy.”

Forest will head to Spain on Wednesday to compete against Real Betis in their first European match since the 1995-96 UEFA Cup quarterfinals against Bayern Munich. Managed by Manuel Pellegrini, Betis were runners-up to Chelsea in last season’s UEFA Conference League and feature former Manchester United winger Antony, who has returned to the club on a five-year contract after a successful loan.

Meanwhile, the competition draws in heavyweights and fallen giants alike. Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, will face Red Star Belgrade in a matchup of former European champions. Rangers, however, enter the Europa League under increasing pressure.

Under-fire manager Russell Martin has faced fan protests amid the club's worst domestic start since 1978. During Saturday’s League Cup victory over Hibernian, supporters threw numerous colored balls onto the pitch in a display of frustration. “I can’t control any of this,” Martin said. “At this football club, it quickly becomes about one person. It’s become about me, not by my choice.”

The tournament also features two-time champions Porto, who begin against Salzburg, and Feyenoord under Robin van Persie, who face Braga. Roma, twice runners-up, will encounter Nice, while Fenerbahce — who parted ways with Jose Mourinho after failing to qualify for the Champions League — will start their campaign at Dinamo Zagreb.