Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is set to pursue his first Super Cup title when his team faces Paris Saint-Germain in Salzburg on Wednesday. Emery has previously won the Europa League five times, including with Aston Villa in May, ending the club’s 30-year trophy drought with a victory over Freiburg in Istanbul. However, the Super Cup has eluded him.
Emery’s previous Super Cup defeats include a 5-4 extra-time loss to Barcelona in 2015 and a penalty shootout defeat to Chelsea in Dublin in 2021 while managing Villarreal. He also experienced a loss to Real Madrid in 2014. Despite these past results, Emery views the upcoming match as an opportunity. He stated that a trophy offers a special moment and that playing for trophies is a professional objective. Emery acknowledged PSG as favourites but expressed eagerness to test his team’s capabilities against them.
Villa’s Squad Changes and PSG Challenge
The upcoming match in Salzburg is a repeat of a Champions League quarter-final from the 2024-25 season. In that encounter, Aston Villa nearly overcame a 3-1 deficit from the first leg at Parc des Princes, ultimately losing 5-4 on aggregate despite a 3-2 second-leg victory at Villa Park. PSG midfielder Vitinha noted that the previous fixture was a difficult test, particularly in the second half, and expressed awareness of Villa’s threat.
Since that Champions League tie, Aston Villa’s squad has undergone significant changes. Players such as Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Youri Tielemans have departed the club. Amadou Onana is currently injured. Additionally, key players Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins have not travelled for the match after their participation in the World Cup, having been granted a month off by Emery. This means that potentially only four of the starters from the previous encounter with PSG may feature for Villa.
John McGinn, Aston Villa’s captain, acknowledged the changes but emphasised the club’s core strength. He highlighted the consistent manager, methods, and desire to achieve more, stating, “I’m really excited about the new Aston Villa.” McGinn also mentioned that the club has a structure and standards that have contributed to its success. PSG defender Marquinhos also underlined the importance of the competition for his team, stating that they remain hungry for victories and trophies.
Emery’s Outlook and Club Ambitions
Emery, who previously managed PSG for two years, appears confident despite the summer departures. He joked about his English language skills and his captain, John McGinn, indicating a relaxed demeanour. Emery spoke with enthusiasm about the club’s progress, noting that Aston Villa is now competing with top clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
The manager also discussed the importance of the leverage Aston Villa has gained from its recent successes. He mentioned that the club is committed to improving and maintaining consistency in the Premier League. Plans are underway to expand Villa Park to accommodate 50,000 supporters next season, and the club is increasing its budget through good results and strategic player sales. Emery expressed his continued ambition, stating, “We want more. We are not stopping here.”
PSG, meanwhile, enters the fixture as Champions League winners, having secured their first title in the competition after overcoming Aston Villa in the quarter-finals. They subsequently defeated Arsenal in the semi-finals and Inter Milan in the final. The team has since won multiple titles, including two league titles and the French Cup. The Super Cup in Salzburg provides another opportunity for both clubs to add to their silverware.
Source: bbc.co.uk