Unai Emery urged Aston Villa fans to keep backing their team ahead of a planned protest against eye-watering ticket prices.
Supporters face paying up to £97 for the club’s home fixtures in the Champions League, prompting one fans’ group to plan to hand out red cards before Saturday's home game against Everton. They have urged those who take them to point them at the directors’ box.
Emery understands the supporters’ outrage but backed his team to make it worthwhile for them over the course of the campaign.
He said: ‘The fans are very important for us, really the heart of Aston Villa. Professionals come and go but the fans and their families stay for a long time and they hold our history.
‘By playing in the Champions League we have moved to another level and we are very excited and motivated for it. I can understand the fans are not comfortable with the increased prices but hopefully it will be worth it at the end of the season, as we will have this level and keep it.
Aston Villa have defended their controversial Champions League ticket pricing at Villa Park, although fans have planned a protest
‘I am aware of the possible protest and we will try tomorrow to connect with our fans like we usually do. Hopefully they can support us as they are doing and we connect with them.
‘Again I can say I respect them and I respect as well that they don’t agree with this situation. But we are increasing our level playing more matches and I know the fans will support us again.
‘We have to accept it if someone is protesting something but hopefully at the end of the season it will be worth it. I know and respect the effort they make.’