By Dorcas Francis Koji
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique says the European champions are determined to compete for every available trophy this season as they prepare to face Aston Villa in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup final in Salzburg, Austria.
PSG enter the new campaign with an impressive collection of recent honours, having won their second consecutive UEFA Champions League title last season alongside a fifth straight Ligue 1 crown, the UEFA Super Cup, the French Champions’ Trophy and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Their first opportunity to add another trophy this season will come against Europa League winners Aston Villa, who are managed by Unai Emery.
Luis Enrique said PSG must demonstrate their quality on the pitch if they are to maintain their winning mentality.
“We have to show what our level is and that has to be shown on the pitch,” the Spanish coach told reporters.
“We want to win everything and, if you look at history, it’s hard to win all the time. But that’s what we want to aim for.”
PSG won the UEFA Super Cup last year after defeating Tottenham Hotspur on penalties and will be looking to retain the trophy against Villa.
The French champions also have a strong recent record against English opposition, including their dramatic Champions League quarter-final victory over Aston Villa during the 2024/25 campaign.
However, Luis Enrique admitted that it remains difficult to predict how Villa will approach Wednesday’s encounter after seeing only a limited number of their pre-season matches.
“It’s difficult to ascertain how they’ll be after seeing only a few pre-season games,” he said.
“We’ll see what sort of game it will be and what condition both sides will be in.
“Each opponent we’ve faced over the last few years have shown how dangerous they can be. We’re happy about how we were able to play. Our aim is to prove how unpredictable we can be.”
PSG have travelled to Austria with a strong squad, including winger Bradley Barcola, whose future has attracted transfer speculation amid reports linking him with Liverpool.
The French giants will, however, be without recent signing Lucas Digne for the Super Cup encounter, just two days after the France international left Aston Villa to return to PSG.
PSG captain Marquinhos revealed that he shared an emotional reunion with Digne following the defender’s return to the club.
“We shared a big hug yesterday. He congratulated me on all that I’ve accomplished at the club and I did the same to him,” Marquinhos said.
“He’s had a long journey back, but I’m so happy he’s back. I’m really happy he’s here. He’s a good guy and a good friend.”
With PSG aiming to begin the new season with another major trophy, Wednesday’s Super Cup showdown promises to provide an early test of their ambitions against an Aston Villa side eager to make its own mark on the European stage.
Leave a comment