John McGinn: Aston Villa Sees No Limits Ahead of Super Cup Clash with PSG

John McGinn, captain of Aston Villa, insists the club has no limits despite a major squad overhaul. The Premier League side is gearing up to face Paris Saint-Germain, winners of the Champions League, in the UEFA Super Cup final held in Salzburg.

A Changed Squad Faces a Familiar Challenge

This match echoes their 2024-25 Champions League quarter-final encounter, where Villa narrowly lost 5-4 on aggregate but famously won the second leg 3-2 at Villa Park, showing they can challenge Europe’s elite. The current squad, however, differs significantly from that lineup.

• Departed players: Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans
• Injured: Amadou Onana (long-term)
• World Cup extended breaks: Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins

Only four starters from that quarter-final are expected to begin against PSG. This leaves manager Unai Emery with tough decisions on team selection.

McGinn Backs Villa’s Progress and Ambition

Having been with the club for eight years, McGinn has witnessed Villa’s rise from struggling in the Championship to competing in the Champions League. He embraces the underdog role and the chance to silence critics once more.

"A lot has changed in the eight years I have been here," McGinn said. "When you sign the best young English talent and players perform at the highest level, interest follows. We have a structure, standards, and rules that drive our success. I'm really excited about the new Aston Villa."

"We have our core group, same manager, same methods, and the same hunger to achieve more. Many thought we hit a ceiling a couple of seasons ago, but we proved them wrong."

Emery’s Quest for Super Cup Glory Gets a Boost

McGinn doesn’t hold back in light-hearted dressing room jabs, even poking fun at Emery’s past failures in this competition. While Emery has five Europa League titles, the Super Cup trophy remains elusive.

"He (McGinn) reminded me last week about losing to Chelsea," Emery shared. "This is an opportunity. A trophy creates special moments. Playing for trophies is what professionals aim for. PSG are favorites, but I look forward to testing ourselves against them. As a coach, player, and club, winning this trophy would make us proud of our journey."

Lineup Changes and Fan Support Shape Villa’s Challenge

The squad transformation since their last PSG meeting adds difficulty. Still, Boubacar Kamara’s return after a knee injury offers hope, though he is still regaining fitness. Over 6,000 Villa supporters have traveled to Austria, setting the scene for a historic moment as Emery aims to claim the elusive trophy.

• UEFA Super Cup Final: Aston Villa vs Paris Saint-Germain
• Date & Time: 12 August 2026, 21:00
• Location: Salzburg