Unai Emery Names PSG Favorites Ahead of UEFA Super Cup Clash with Aston Villa
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has shifted expectations before their UEFA Super Cup meeting against Paris Saint-Germain. The Midlands side, appearing in this event for the first time since 1982 after their Europa League win last season, face a daunting challenge as the Champions League holders come into the match as clear favorites.
Pressure on PSG from Former Coach
Emery, who has past ties to PSG, acknowledges that all eyes will be on the French club when they meet in Salzburg. At his pre-match press conference, he emphasized that the spotlight and pressure belong on PSG due to their Champions League success. He stated, "We are going to try to get the message across to the dressing room, preparing for the match knowing that they feel like favorites. Because of course they are." Villa’s journey to this point reflects a remarkable rise under Emery, while PSG aim to reaffirm their dominance in European football.
Reflecting on previous meetings, Emery recalled their Champions League quarter-final clash two years ago, where despite losing, Villa showed they could compete at this level.
Key Absences Challenge Aston Villa
The build-up in Austria has been complicated by missing important players. Emery confirmed that Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins did not travel due to recent international duties over the summer. Explaining this choice, he said, "They finished the season on July 19 and I have given them four weeks of vacation, I think it is completely necessary."
Injury adds to Villa’s selection problems, with summer signing Manzambi sidelined. Yet the club’s financial boost from qualifying for this match could impact transfer activity in the coming weeks. Emery also mentioned interest in Joao Palhinha, a target still high on their list, noting, "In the last weeks of the market, players can move. I don’t talk about specific players, but we all know Palhinha."
Luis Enrique Faces Squad Issues at PSG
Meanwhile, PSG boss Luis Enrique voiced frustrations about player availability during his own pre-match briefing. The World Cup caused a fractured preseason, with many stars returning late. Enrique declared, "I do not have players. Some players returned on Monday, and others returned last week." This patchy preparation makes it tough to gauge who can endure the full match. He added, "Last year was exceptional, and this year is too, he explained. In terms of preparation, it is difficult to manage the number of minutes each player can play. We will try to play at the best possible level."
High Stakes in Salzburg
This showdown acts as a test for both clubs’ ambitions. For Villa, it’s proof that their Europa League triumph wasn’t luck and that they belong among Europe’s best. Emery relies on his squad's momentum and the drive of younger players to close the gap. He said, "We prepare for the match with the players we started with four weeks ago, also with the young players."
Enrique remains cautious despite his team’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of European silverware. "It is important for every team to win a European title, and we will see what kind of match the two teams can produce tomorrow," he concluded.
- Event: UEFA Super Cup
- Date: 12 August 2026
- Kickoff: 21:00
- Teams: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) vs Aston Villa (AVL)
