Head coach Unai Emery says Aston Villa won’t be at “our greatest” in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain within the Tremendous Cup 2026 and has dismissed speak of the Europa League holders rivalling among the richest golf equipment within the Premier League.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defender Ezri Konsa and striker Ollie Watkins haven’t travelled with the Villans to Salzburg for the sport in opposition to the Champions League winners because the trio recuperate from the World Cup whereas their teammates construct in the direction of the brand new top-flight season.
“In the event that they have been right here, perhaps we might have extra possibilities,” mentioned Emery. “If we’re evaluating with groups like Manchester Metropolis, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool or Arsenal, we’re competing with them however we don’t have the facility but.”
Aston Villa: Why Emery downplays Premier League standing
In Emery’s three full seasons in cost, Villa have risen from top-flight also-rans to 2 fourth-placed finishes both facet of 1 in sixth place.
The Spaniard guided them to the Convention League semi-finals and Champions League quarter-finals earlier than profitable the Europa League in fashion final season.
Regardless of that success – and ending above Liverpool and Chelsea – Emery endured two tough spells in 2025/26 when Villa didn’t win any of their first 5 matches and took 9 factors from 10 video games between January and March.
“We achieved the target after a really tough season,” mirrored the 54-year-old. “In August, we had a really tough second.
“One factor I recognize is to be proud of the best way we’re doing [things] – don’t examine us with different groups or golf equipment.
“Typically they’re over us, generally they’re underneath us. Preserve going, hold being resilient in dangerous moments, like we confirmed final 12 months.”
Tremendous Cup 2026: PSG ‘favourites’ vs Aston Villa
PSG are probably the most feared staff in Europe after changing into European champions in consecutive campaigns however Emery says lifting the trophy can be “a particular second”.
“I’m trying ahead to enjoying,” added Emery, calling the match a “take a look at” in opposition to opponents he regards as “favourites”.
“We’re having pre-season. [This match is] crucial for our careers as a coach, as gamers, as a membership – it’s a trophy.
“It’s one factor that may make us pleased with how we’re and the way we received right here. We will have an enormous motivation to realize our greatest.
“[The] 6,000 supporters from Birmingham give us the accountability as properly to attempt to play for them. We’re going to compete.”
When is the Tremendous Cup 2026? Date, kick off time
The match takes place at Salzburg’s RB Area on Wednesday, August 12 at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT).
The place to observe the Tremendous Cup: TV channel, dwell on-line stream
Within the UK, dwell protection is on TNT Sports activities 1 and TNT Sports activities Final, with streaming on HBO Max.
When does Aston Villa’s 2026/27 Premier League season begin?
Villa will purpose for a greater begin this season after they go to Brighton & Hove Albion, who completed eighth in 2025/26. Listed here are the important thing particulars.
| Date | BST begin time | ET | PT | UK broadcaster |
| Solar, Aug 23 | 14:00 | 09:00 | 06:00 | Sky Sports activities |
