---
title: "‘Come here to compete’ – John McGinn sends Aston Villa message"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/07/31/come-here-to-compete-john-mcginn-sends-aston-villa-message/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-07-31T18:40:00Z"
modified: "2026-07-31T18:40:00Z"
---

# ‘Come here to compete’ – John McGinn sends Aston Villa message

**John McGinn has challenged Aston Villa to demonstrate their Premier League quality when they face Indonesia All Stars in Jakarta.**

The captain believes the Aston Villa Asia tour can improve fitness, integrate the club’s new arrivals and introduce the team to supporters across the region.

McGinn joined his team-mates at Bodymoor Heath on Monday before travelling to Indonesia for the first stage of Villa’s three-match tour.

The Scotland international has already been impressed by the reception in Jakarta. He believes the trip gives supporters who cannot regularly visit Villa Park an opportunity to connect with Unai Emery’s squad.

“We’re growing the fan base around the world,” McGinn said. “We’ve already been welcomed by a lot of supporters here.”

Villa face Indonesia All Stars at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 1pm BST, with the game available through VillaTV, according to [Aston Villa’s official viewing guide](https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2026/july/31/memberships-prematch-how-to-watch-indonesia-all-stars-v-villa/).

> Aston Villa Squad Landing In Soekarno-Hatta Airport – Jakarta. [#AstonVilla](https://x.com/hashtag/AstonVilla?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#IndonesiaAllStars](https://x.com/hashtag/IndonesiaAllStars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#Preseasons](https://x.com/hashtag/Preseasons?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/4iB6WEgb1u](https://t.co/4iB6WEgb1u)
>
> — Rajaaa (@Rajamaica420) [July 30, 2026](https://x.com/Rajamaica420/status/2082828016330461256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Aston Villa Asia tour offers important Emery preparation

McGinn stressed that improving fitness and understanding Emery’s tactical demands will take priority over friendly results.

Several senior players have only recently returned following the World Cup. Villa have also included new signings and academy prospects as Emery prepares for three matches across Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong.

ReadAstonVilla previously identified [seven senior players who joined the squad in Jakarta](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/07/31/seven-aston-villa-players-spotted-as-squad-arrives-in-indonesia/), including McGinn, Alejandro Garnacho and Boubacar Kamara.

The captain still expects Villa to approach Saturday’s fixture professionally.

“The Indonesian All Stars team will be very motivated,” McGinn said. “We want to make sure we can show why we’re the Premier League team and that we’ve come here to compete.”

Villa will then face BG Pathum United in Thailand before concluding the Aston Villa Asia tour against Bayern Munich in Hong Kong.

McGinn also wants the squad to build on last season’s Europa League triumph. He believes the established players must help the club’s new arrivals understand the standards Emery demands.