Unai Emery has warned Europe’s wealthy elite that Aston Villa believe they will be one of the continent’s giants once again
Villa face Paris Saint-Germain for the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday looking to add a second trophy in less than three months, after claiming the Europa League at the end of May.
Villa have undergone significant change this summer, with Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne sold for about £150million combined as the club sought to stay in line with UEFA financial rules. But Emery sees no reason to change their ambitions.
He said: ‘If we compare ourselves to other clubs like Man City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, we are competing with them. We don’t have their power… yet.
‘The effort the club are making is huge. We are trying to extend Villa Park to 50,000 supporters. This is one step forward.
‘We are increasing our budget through results on the pitch, sometimes selling some players, being consistent, expecting a high level and more or less keeping it. Every year the club has moved forward.’
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa will take on PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night
Villa will be without England pair Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, as well as Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
The trio were given four weeks off after the World Cup but are expected to return to training next week.
Skipper John McGinn has been at Villa since they were in the Championship in 2018 and despite the high-profile departures, he is confident they will continue to challenge, both in the Champions League and Premier League this term.
He said: ‘We are really excited by the new Aston Villa. Our expectation is similar to where it has been in the past few seasons, competing with the best in England and Europe.
‘A lot is changing but we have the same manager, the same methods and a desire to achieve more. A lot of people thought we’d reached our ceiling but we’ve proved them wrong.’
