Aston Villa boss Unai Emery achieved a grounded approach to his press conference after the game after his side had booked their place in the semi-final of the FA Cup.
The Villans defeated Championship Side Preston 3-0 to continue to Wembley, with Marcus Rashford getting his first and second goals for the club.
Jacob Ramsey sealed the deal in the 71st minute about what was a comfortable afternoon for Villa.
But their journey will be much more difficult if they are confronted with Crystal Palace in the last four, with a place in the final for grabbing.
All the talk was not surprising about Rashford after his performance, but Emery was highly measured in his assessment of the Loanseert of Manchester United.
After the game, he said: “First of all, his dedication to work and quickly adjust is very important. He does it. To feel comfortable at his best level, there is still work to do. Weeks to get it. Today he took a step forward, he felt comfortable, won confidence and scoring goals.
“He got better, but today was a step forward in his adjustment and helping us. This is the moment for the team, the players, the supporters and this year we are now starting to be motivated and excited in April.
‘The embodiment of trust’ 🥶
Marcus Rashford scores his second in five minutes with a no-look penalty from the place. #Bbcfootball #Facup pic.twitter.com/31Uusfwke3
– Match of the day (@bbcmotd) March 30, 2025
“We have many goals to cope with. The FA Cup is very important and now we are in the semi -final. It is very important for the supporters. We are happy, but we have to stay calm and prepare for the game against Brighton.
“He plays in the idea and planning that we do with him. He played more like a winger on the left and the striker. Today we decided to play him as a striker to get his qualities from him, so that he can feel confident. The first half, not complete, but the second half he felt better with scoring goals.
“There is still work to do and adjustment to come together, the teammates and themselves. Today I think this was a step forward. He came here in the last two months, training not consistently and did not feel very fit in the first games with us. After playing more and with the national team it helped to feel better. Today was confirmation with us.”
Rashford himself was pleased to be able to take a brace and ask questions about his quality in bed.
He added: “It is a great feeling, I have the feeling that I am fitter and better playing football since I have been here. It is always nice for an attacker to get a goal, so hopefully it will continue.
“We have to make the one game at the same time and give it 100% on the field and see where it brings us. We are very ambitious.
“Step by step. I think I can still get fitter. I missed a lot of football before I join them. My body feels good and I now enjoy my football.”
