Villarreal boss Unai Emery has insisted that they deserve to be in the semifinals of the Champions League after eliminating some of the best teams in their way.
The Spanish outfit saw off Juventus and Bayern Munich to the stage and will now face Liverpool who is considered the favorites in the tie.
Speaking ahead of their Wednesday test, Emery said: “We deserve to be here. Any side that is in a Champions League semifinal is there because they deserve to be.
“Liverpool knows we have a great European presence, that we have been able to eliminate two great teams([in Juventus and Bayern). They know it won’t be easy. This is the best Liverpool side that I can remember. They will feel like favorites, of course, but will have respect for us.”
Liverpool beat Benfica 6-4 on aggregate in the previous knockout round and are looking to reach a third Champions League final in five seasons at Villarreal’s expense.
Villarreal travels to Liverpool not at full strength with winger Yeremy Pino out injured and striker Gerard Moreno not fully recovered from a hamstring problem.
Emery is well aware of the environment he expects at Anfield having been there when he was in charge of Arsenal previously.
