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

Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, has shifted the spotlight onto Paris Saint-Germain as favorites ahead of their UEFA Super Cup meeting this Wednesday. The Midlands club are gearing up for their first appearance in this event since 1982 after an impressive Europa League win last season.

Pressure on Former Club

Emery knows well that all eyes will be on PSG when they face off in Salzburg. At his pre-match press briefing, the Spanish coach made it clear that the French side, holders of the Champions League trophy, carry the expectations. He told the media, "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." For Villa, this is the peak of a remarkable rise under Emery’s leadership, while PSG aim to reinforce their standing in European football.

Despite the difference in resources, Emery leans on past encounters to boost his team's confidence. He recalled their Champions League quarter-final clash two years ago against PSG, which ended in defeat but demonstrated they could compete at the highest level.

Injuries and Absences Challenge Villa

Villa's preparation faces hurdles as several key players are missing. Emery confirmed that regular starters such as Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins did not travel to Salzburg after their summer international commitments. He justified the extended rest by saying, "They finished the season on July 19 and I have given them four weeks of vacation, I think it is completely necessary."

The squad’s depth will also be tested due to the injury absence of new signing Manzambi. On a brighter note, the club received a multi-million-pound payment for qualifying for the Super Cup, a potential boost for late transfer window moves. Emery also addressed interest in Joao Palhinha, commenting, "In the last weeks of the market, players can move. I don’t talk about specific players, but we all know Palhinha."

Luis Enrique Faces Player Availability Issues

Meanwhile, PSG coach Luis Enrique has openly expressed frustration over his squad’s readiness. The late World Cup returns disrupted preseason training, leaving him with limited options. Enrique stated, "I do not have players. Some players returned on Monday, and others returned last week." He admitted that assessing players’ stamina for the full match is difficult due to insufficient playing time. "Last year was exceptional, and this year is too," he added, "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 in Salzburg offers a critical test for both teams. For Villa, it's a chance to prove their Europa League triumph was deserved and that they belong among Europe’s elite. Emery relies on the momentum built 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.

Despite his squad issues, Enrique recognizes the tournament's significance: "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."

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