Unai Emery Names PSG as Favorites Ahead of UEFA Super Cup Clash with Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has made it clear that Paris Saint-Germain are the favorites heading into their UEFA Super Cup match in Salzburg. The Midlands club, preparing for their first appearance in this event since 1982, earned their spot by winning the Europa League last season.

Emery, who knows PSG well from his past, is keen to shift the pressure onto the French team, who secured their place by winning the Champions League. He told reporters, "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." This highlights the challenge Villa faces against a dominant European force.

Despite the difference in resources, Emery draws confidence from their previous encounter two years ago in the Champions League quarter-finals. Although Villa lost that tie, the performance showed they could hold their own against PSG.

Villa Faces Selection Challenges

Villa's preparations have been complicated by the absence of several key players. Emery confirmed that important squad members such as Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins did not travel to Salzburg due to international commitments over the summer. The manager justified giving them an extended break, stating, "They finished the season on July 19 and I have given them four weeks of vacation, I think it is completely necessary."

In addition, new signing Manzambi is out with injury, which will test Villa’s squad depth. The club recently received a multi-million-pound payment for qualifying for the Super Cup, which could be critical as the transfer window nears its end. Emery also mentioned ongoing interest in Joao Palhinha, saying, "In the last weeks of the market, players can move. I don’t talk about specific players, but we all know Palhinha."

PSG’s Luis Enrique Faces His Own Squad Worries

PSG coach Luis Enrique has voiced frustration over his team's preparation. Many stars returned late from World Cup duties, causing a disrupted preseason. Enrique expressed his difficulties plainly: "I do not have players. Some players returned on Monday, and others returned last week."

The lack of playing time for certain individuals makes it challenging to estimate their stamina for the entire match. "Last year was exceptional, and this year is too," he said, "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 match holds great significance for both clubs. For Aston Villa, it is a chance to confirm their Europa League success was no accident and show they belong among Europe’s best. Emery is relying on the momentum from recent victories and the drive of his young players to narrow the gap. He commented, "We prepare for the match with the players we started with four weeks ago, also with the young players."

Despite his squad issues, Enrique respects the challenge, highlighting the tournament's prestige: "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."

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