- Aston Villa face an all or nothing battle with Nottingham Forest on Thursday night, in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final
- They currently trail by one goal, but have full confidence they can overturn the deficit
- John McGinn has expressed that “it would mean everything” to lift the trophy on May 20th
John McGinn has laid bare what Thursday night means to Aston Villa, with the captain insisting Villa Park can become the difference as Unai Emery’s side chase a place in the Europa League final.
Captain John McGinn has been a central pillar to the transformation of Aston Villa since Unai Emery became manager in November 2022. He has been at the club for almost eight years, making over 320 appearances.
Thursday’s semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest is a chance for him to take his beloved team into a European final.
However, after losing the first leg 1-0 against Nottingham Forest and an abysmal display against Tottenham on Sunday, they certainly have their work cut out to overturn the deficit.
The good news is that Thursday’s fixture is at Villa Park. A place that has become a fortress over time, and can produce electric atmosphere’s that can build pressure on visiting teams.
In an interview with Sky Sports, McGinn explained the importance of ensuring the second leg of their knockout games were played at home. This was achieved by finishing second in the league phase.
“We worked hard to get the second legs at home. That was a big aim. This is a special place. If we get that first goal then this place will be absolutely rocking.”
The 31-year-old also relishes playing in front of the Holte End, and seems to feed off their energy. Six of his seven goals in all competitions this season have come on home turf.
“The manager touches on it quite a bit. He likes to think I am a different player here. For me, there is no better place to play football.”
What it would mean to win the Europa League
Villa’s last piece of silverware came 30 years ago in the 1996 League Cup final, where they beat Leeds United 3-0. They have reached two finals since, but have been unsuccessful both times.
But that was a different era of Aston Villa. Now under Emery, there is a new expectation, after the levels he has taken the club to since his arrival.
Two semi-final heartbreaks have occurred, and one quarter-final against PSG, where the impossible was almost made possible. It now feels like the time for Villa to lift a trophy, and McGinn has described what it would mean to the players and the supporters if that were to happen.
“It would mean everything.
“I know what it means to people. I know what it means to supporters who have travelled for years and not experienced success. So I understand the magnitude of the game (against Forest). We all know what is at stake.
He talks of “trying to explain to the new players that this is a club that people live for.”
Being captain of Aston Villa
McGinn was named captain at the beginning of the 2022/23 season by Steven Gerrard. He replaced Tyrone Mings after the 45-year-old stripped him of the captaincy so he could focus on his performances.
Since this decision, McGinn has become one of the best leaders Villa has ever had. He sets the standard and leaves everything out on the pitch. Supporters love him because he just understands what it means to play for the club.
“I think being captain at Aston Villa is more than football. It is about realising you are playing for a purpose. We have got a proud history and it is up to us to try and add to that.”
The Scot also revealed what made the Liverpool legend decide to give him the armband.
“He said it was because of the way I treat people, not only around the training ground but around the stadium. That is what I pride myself on. Everyone at this club is valuable and we are all together in one direction. I am proud of the responsibility. I really enjoy it.”
On his incredible work ethic
In the Villa team, he is the midfield engine. He works so hard, and when he is out of the team, the players’ intensity levels seem to drop.
It’s an incredible work ethic that he has maintained throughout his career, and he discussed his desire to continue doing that until he retires.
“I am as hungry today as I was when I was 17 or 18. I want to succeed. I want to keep going.
“I don’t think that will ever leave me. I have calmed down a bit with the referees. I do not get as many yellow cards. But I am getting older, wiser, more experienced. That hunger, whether it is at 31, at 37 or 38, that will be there until my last game in football.”
Lifting silverware is “my number one priority”
This will be their defining moment in the season, their biggest game in the last few years. It could be the last time this core group of players are together, and this is an opportunity they cannot miss out on.
McGinn added: “There are a lot of players that have been here for a long time. Massive nights, some massive memories.
“We have come a long way as a club, but we have still got a lot to deliver on. Lifting silverware as captain of Aston Villa, that is my number one priority.
“There has to be a massive improvement from last week. This squad has proven in the past that we are capable of delivering in big moments. We need to do that again.”
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McGinn’s interview reflects a team who are ready for a battle. They understand the stakes of the match, but the question is can they turn up? For too long, they have succumbed to the pressure, so will they finally prevail?
This isn’t just about a trophy for the supporters; it’s what legacy the players will have when they look back on their time at the club. Do they want to be remembered as a team who couldn’t quite get over the line, or the team that ended Villa’s 30-year wait for a trophy and etch their names in history?
It is all or nothing. Tomorrow’s fixture is a pivotal juncture in the Unai Emery era.
