Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will aim to secure his first Super Cup title when his team faces Champions League winners Paris St-Germain in Salzburg on Wednesday. Emery has previously experienced three defeats in the competition, with Sevilla against Real Madrid and Barcelona, and with Villarreal against Chelsea in 2021.
This match marks Aston Villa's first Super Cup appearance since 1982. Villa captain John McGinn noted that Emery was reminded of his previous loss to Chelsea last week. Emery stated that playing for trophies is a professional objective and that the Super Cup offers a special moment for the club.
The Villa squad for the game will see significant changes from their Champions League quarter-final against PSG in 2024-25. Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Youri Tielemans have been sold, while Amadou Onana is injured. Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins have not travelled after participating in the World Cup, having been given a month off by Emery.
PSG midfielder Vitinha and defender Marquinhos both emphasised the importance of the Super Cup, despite the club's recent successes. Vitinha acknowledged Villa's threat, recalling their difficult Champions League encounter.