Emery is aiming for his first Super Cup trophy - but does it matter?

According to Sports.

Context

Unai Emery, renowned for his Europa League success, is now aiming for a first Super Cup trophy with Aston Villa. His previous failures in this tournament, including losses to the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, make this match particularly significant for coach and club.

Why is this important

The Super Cup represents an important trophy for Unai Emery and Aston Villa, especially after finishing the season well with victory in the Europa League. This match could be a key moment for the team as they look to strengthen their position on the international stage and demonstrate their evolution under Emery.

Key takeaways

• Emery is aiming for his first Super Cup trophy - but does it matter?
• Unai Emery will compete for his first Super Cup trophy with Aston Villa against PSG after previously suffering three defeats in finals.
• Emery chases first Super Cup - but does it matter?.

Unai Emery is the king of the Europa League. He won a fifth title with Aston Villa in May, beating Freiburg in Istanbul and ending the club's 30-year trophyless spell. However, the Super Bowl remains an elusive trophy for him. Emery will try to win the trophy for a fourth time in Salzburg on Wednesday when his side take on Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Emery said last autumn he wanted to finish third in the Premier League after failing to achieve that with Villa. Fourth place was not a failure, but it probably disappointed the perfectionist Emery. It's the same with the Super Bowl, but is it just an embellished friendly game or is it really important?

Emery has already suffered defeats against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea - the first two with Sevilla, and then he lost on penalties to Chelsea in Dublin with Villarreal in 2021. The 5-4 extra-time defeat to a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona came in 2015, the year before Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals to lift Real Madrid to the trophy. Emery had already left for PSG when Sevilla lost the 2016 Super Cup to Real Madrid.

But at the Red Bull Arena against his former team and with 6,000 Villa fans making the trip, he has the chance to break his losing streak. “He [points to Villa captain John Makin] reminded me last week of the defeat to Chelsea,” Emery said. "Of course it's an opportunity. A trophy is something that can give us a special moment.Playing for trophies is our goal as a professional. PSG are the favorites but I can't wait to play, how can we test this match against PSG with our capabilities? As a coach, as a player, as a club, this is a trophy. This is what makes us proud of who we are and how we got here."


Carlo Ancelotti has five Super Cup trophies - two with Milan and three with Real Madrid - while Pep Guardiola is one behind with two titles with Barcelona and one each with Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Ancelotti's third title came when his Real Madrid beat Emery's Seville in 2014. But as with Sunday's Community Super Cup between Arsenal and Manchester City, isn't this just a glamorous friendly trophy game?

PSG midfielder Vitinha, who won four Ligue 1 titles with the club, dismissed any idea that the two-time Champions League winners felt differently about the competition but noted that "pre-season has been a bit short". "We still want victories, trophies. It is very difficult to maintain these levels, but we are still full of desire,” said the Portuguese.Defender Marquinhos also insisted the tournament remains important to ensure PSG - who were unhappy with the size of their dressing room at the Red Bull Arena and were given an extra one by UEFA - continue to win trophies. "Just because we've won a few trophies in recent seasons doesn't mean it's easy. We know there are a lot of obstacles ahead of us," he said. "Personally, I want more, and every player on the roster is the same. We all worked to get here, to come in better condition."

Wednesday's game between Villa and PSG will be a repeat of the 2024-25 Champions League quarter-finals. Trailing 3-1 from the first leg at the Parc des Princes and trailing 5-1 on aggregate at Birmingham, Villa came so close to causing a huge shock. They came back from 2-0 to 3-2, eventually losing 5-4 on aggregate, and it was one of the biggest signs that Emery had turned them into a team capable of competing with the best in Europe. The encounter remains etched in the minds of the PSG players and Vitinha is aware of the threat from Villa. “It was such a tough test, especially in the second half,” Vitinha said. "We will be ready, but we understand how difficult it will be."

Villa's line-up in Austria would be very different just 484 days after that game. Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans have all been sold, while Amadou Ono is out injured until next year. Another midfielder, Boubacar Camara, is in the squad but has just returned from a serious knee injury suffered in January.Amy Martinez, Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins did not travel after the World Cup and Emery gave them a month off. It means there is a chance that only four of the starting line-up that faced the French champions 18 months ago will take the field. Five players from that meeting are also no longer with the club. For a team that has been so stable and consistent under Emery, this is a radical change. “A lot has changed in the eight years I’ve been here,” Capt. Mackin said. "When you sign the best young English talent and the players perform at a high level, there will be interest. We have the structure, standards and rules that have made us successful. I'm very excited about the new Aston Villa. We have our first team, the same manager, the same methods and the same desire to achieve more. A lot of people thought we had hit the ceiling a couple of seasons ago and we have proven them wrong.

What happens next

Aston Villa are preparing for a crucial match against PSG, where Emery hopes to finally lift the Super Cup trophy. Success in this tournament could have a significant impact on the team's season outlook and confidence in the upcoming Premier League matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the result of the Aston Villa vs Freiburg match?

Aston Villa beat Freiburg in the Europa League final to lift the trophy.

How did this defeat affect the Premier League table?

The defeat did not affect the Premier League table, since the match was for the Super Cup.

When is the next Aston Villa match?

Aston Villa's next match will be against Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup.

How many trophies has Unai Emery already won with Aston Villa?

Unai Emery won one trophy with Aston Villa, winning the Europa League.

What is the importance of the Super Cup for Unai Emery?

The Super Cup is an important trophy for Unai Emery as he strives to win it after several failures.

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