Unai Emery insists Aston Villa are not satisfied with ending a three-decade wait for major silverware as they prepare to meet European champions Paris St Germain in tonight’s UEFA Super Cup.
Villa’s return to Europe’s summit
Villa earned their place in the season’s curtain-raiser with a 3-0 victory over Freiburg in May’s Europa League final. The success delivered the club’s first major trophy since their 1996 League Cup triumph and gave Emery a record-extending fifth title in the competition.
It was also Villa’s first continental honour since their European Cup victory against Bayern Munich in 1982, followed by their Super Cup win over Barcelona.
Speaking in Salzburg on Wednesday, Emery said he was pleased with the progress made during his four years in charge and with the way his squad had embraced the club’s standards.
“The players have followed us and accepted everything we are trying to establish,” the Spaniard said. “We want to create our own mentality, and we are grateful for the commitment they have shown. But we want more. This is not where we stop.”
Emery is still chasing his first Super Cup victory after losing on three previous occasions. PSG head coach Luis Enrique, meanwhile, will attempt to guide the French side to a successful defence of the trophy.
Squad changes test Emery’s plans
Villa’s preparations in Austria have been affected by major movement in the squad during the transfer window.
- Youri Tielemans has moved to Manchester United.
- Morgan Rogers has joined Chelsea for a British-record fee.
- Jadon Sancho and Douglas Luiz have also left the club.
- Lucas Digne has transferred to Paris St Germain.
- Amadou Onana is unavailable through injury.
- New recruit Johan Manzambi is also unable to play.
Despite the departures and injury problems, Emery said Villa’s objectives had not shifted as the club continued its development both on the pitch and away from it.
“The level of effort is unchanged,” Emery said. “The club is working extremely hard and is progressing in the same direction that I am trying to take it. Our budget is growing because of strong results and player sales, while Aston Villa’s profile is improving as we move forward. That creates a huge responsibility for both me and the players.”
World Cup players given extra recovery time
Villa will also be missing several important figures who played at the World Cup and have been allowed additional rest after finishing their seasons later.
- England centre-back Ezri Konsa is absent.
- England striker Ollie Watkins will not feature.
- Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is unavailable.
Emery said the extended break was essential for those players and noted that PSG faced a similar situation.
“Some of our players are missing because they ended their seasons late,” he said. “They are resting, and that is necessary. PSG are in the same position. Tomorrow we will begin with the players available to us, and we hope to produce a positive result with the resources we have.”
