"When you get so far in the Champions League, it can be difficult for players and supporters not to think about this. But everyone must be clear Aston Villa is a really important game for us," he said.
Rafa added, "There is an international break after this, and then straight away we'll be back into the Champions League. We want to go into the break with confidence and in a good league position."
"The last time we were at this stage in both competitions we didn't have the same quality in the whole squad. We can be strong in the Premiership and the Champions League now so I have more confidence this time."
"We have the players to manage with both competitions. We have done well to get to the quarter-final of the Champions League, but we also know how important it is to stay in the top four,"he concluded.