Unai Emery Sees PSG as Clear Favorites Ahead of UEFA Super Cup Against Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has shifted expectations ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash on Wednesday, emphasizing that Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain are the clear favorites. This match marks Villa's first appearance in the competition since 1982, following their dramatic Europa League win last season.

Emery Shifts Pressure onto Former Club

Emery is aware that all eyes will be on PSG when they face off in Salzburg. At his pre-match press conference, he made it clear that the spotlight and expectation should be with the French champions, who earned their spot by winning the Champions League.

"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," Emery said. He sees this game as a chance for Villa to cap off an impressive rise, while PSG aim to solidify their dominance in European football.

Despite the difference in resources, Emery draws confidence from their past meetings. Two years ago, these teams met in the Champions League quarter-finals. Though Villa lost, Emery believes their performance showed they could compete at this level.

Squad Challenges for Aston Villa

Preparation has been disrupted for Villa due to absences among key players. Emery confirmed that important squad members like Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins have not traveled to Salzburg after their international duties over the summer.

"They finished the season on July 19 and I have given them four weeks of vacation, I think it is completely necessary," Emery explained, defending his decision to rest these players.

Injuries also affect squad depth, with summer signing Manzambi sidelined. On the positive side, the club received a multi-million-pound payout for qualifying, which may impact transfer activity before the window closes. Emery touched on potential signings, including Joao Palhinha, a player still high on Villa's wish list.

"In the last weeks of the market, players can move. I don’t talk about specific players, but we all know Palhinha," he commented.

Luis Enrique Faces His Own Headaches

PSG manager Luis Enrique has voiced frustration over his own squad issues. The late return of players from the World Cup has left him short on preparation time.

"I do not have players. Some players returned on Monday, and others last week," Enrique said during his media briefing. He highlighted the difficulty of managing player minutes to ensure they can perform throughout the match.

He added, "Last year was exceptional, and this year is too. 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

The showdown in Salzburg offers both teams a measuring stick. For Villa, it's a chance to prove their Europa League triumph wasn’t just luck and that they belong among Europe’s best. Emery counts on the momentum from their recent success and the drive of younger players to close the gap.

"We prepare for the match with the players we started with four weeks ago, also with the young players," he said.

Enrique, despite his selection troubles, acknowledges the importance of this trophy.

"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 said.

• Competition: UEFA Super Cup
• Date: 12 August 2026
• Time: 21:00
• Teams: Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa