Unai Emery has reflected on his first 18 months in charge of Aston Villa and said he wants to at least maintain the level at which the club currently operates.
In his first full season in charge, the Spaniard led Villa to the Europa Conference League semi-finals and fourth place in the Premier League with five games remaining.
Emery said: “When I arrived here, in my first press conference, I had the same message that I have now: playing in Europe, trying to be a contender for a trophy and demanding a better level every day. The club is being very demanding and ambitious.
“This year we are in the last month and we compete in two competitions; in Europe and the Premier League trying to fight for a prominent position in the table.
“This is the level I want to maintain.”
Villa’s next Premier League opponents are Bournemouthwhich visits Villa Park on Sunday (kick-off 3pm BST).
Emery said of the Cherries: “They are playing really well and are very competitive. They demand a lot from their opponents if they want to beat them.
“I thank the coach, the players and the way they play. They are always pushing and pushing.”