SKY SPORTS presenter Kate Tracey has revealed plans for an epic all-night party if Aston Villa win the Europa League final.
‘s side secured last weekend after beating Liverpool, but now have the chance to lift the club’s first European trophy since 1982 when they play Freiburg in Istanbul tonight.
Sky Sports presenter Kate Tracey is preparing for an all-night party if Aston Villa win the Europa League Credit: Supplied
Stunning presenter Kate spoke exclusively to SunSport ahead of tonight’s final Credit: Supplied
For , winning the final would mean more than just winning a trophy; it would be a generation-defining moment and the culmination of the club’s long journey back to the top of the game.
unfortunately won’t be at the Besiktas stadium to watch the team play.
Instead, she is “staying on the ground” in by hosting at the new Warehouse the club opened this season at Villa Park.
Not that Kate, 31, is expecting the distance between Villa Park and Tüpraş Stadium to reduce the emotions of the evening in any way.
Speaking exclusively to SunSport, Kate revealed her excitement for the clash, saying: “To be honest with you it’s more excitement than anything else.
“Everyone always says it’s a blend of nervousness and excitement but I am 80 per cent excited about it but everyone always says I should be more apprehensive than I am.
“At this moment, it’s more anticipation and hoping the lads get the honour they really deserve.”
Kate speaks of the generational divide between those who watched Villa beat in Rotterdam to lift the European Cup in 1982 and today, and how the older generation are taking in the pleasure of the journey while watching younger fans go through what they did 44 years ago.
Kate believes it might be written in the stars for Villa to win their first European trophy since 1982 against another German team Credit: Alamy
She describes the chance of beating Freiburg, another German team, as “quite poetic”, as well as it being a phenomenal chance for Emery, 54, to win a fifth title.
However, while , Kate’s time around the squad has emphasised the professionalism the Spanish boss has instilled in them, even if many are taking in the scale of their journey from the to now.
Glamorous Kate said: “It’s funny talking to them because so many players have been there through the Championship up to the Premier League journey into Europe.
“Many of them can take in the scale of how far they have come, none of them take anything for granted and they are enjoying the ride. That’s the vibe I get from them.
“I was doing the post-match for Liverpool last Friday when they had the player parade to thank the fans and they were saying it’s incredible to be back in the Champions League next season, and there’s relief that’s done and it’s on to the big event now.
“But they’re overjoyed by their achievement of where they have come from.
“It’s just excitement, they’re like us fans, like little kids at looking forward to something, but then of course, as soon as they go back to the changing room and the training ground, they know Unai won’t allow them to lose any focus.”
expert Kate wouldn’t bet on there being any tactical surprises, but says she expects to see former star start in midfield again alongside after the “stroke of genius” in moving him there following the absences of and .
Manager Unai Emery has instilled supreme professionalism in the team Credit: PA
Kate will be hosting the watchalong at the Villa Warehouse opened earlier this season Credit: Supplied
The Swede, 31, will be key to freeing up Tielemans to move forward and find willing runners in and , and Kate believes if the 29-year-old has a good game then Villa will too.
World Cup hopeful will also be crucial, with his runs in behind and finishing set to be what could make or break the Villans’ trophy hopes.
However, while Tielemans will be the tactical key, emotionally, it will all come down to captain McGinn.
Kate added: “Emotionally, it’s McGinn. What a player, he’s incredible. I talk about the journey from the Championship, through promotion, through the Gerrard era, and into Emery.
“McGinn has been there and seen it all, and I think getting the armband back in the day saw him improve as a player. He’s the tone setter and captain in every sense of the word.”
If all goes well, has already set her contingency plans in place by booking Thursday off work to prepare for an celebrating the feat.
She said: “Long into the night til the break of dawn.
“I’ve already taken the day off on Thursday just in the hope something might come about.
She hailed John McGinn as the emotional key to the team Credit: Getty
Horse racing expert Kate isn’t expecting any tactical surprises from Emery Credit: Instagram
“I’m back in work very, very early in the morning on Friday, so yeah, we’ll give it a shot and drown sorrows if it doesn’t go our way.
“But I’m sure the Brummies will do what they do best and come together for a party, hopefully a positive party.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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