Luis Enrique has described Unai Emery as “one of the top managers on the whole planet” before Aston Villa vs PSG in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup.
The Paris Saint-Germain head coach has delivered a glowing assessment of his Spanish counterpart as the pair prepare to meet for the 13th time in their managerial careers.
Speaking to UEFA, Luis Enrique also praised the progress Villa have made since Emery took charge, saying: “Aston Villa have improved under Emery.”
Aston Villa vs PSG brings familiar rivals together
Luis Enrique and Emery have regularly crossed paths during their careers, including one of the most famous Champions League ties of the modern era.
Emery was PSG manager when Luis Enrique’s Barcelona overturned a 4-0 first-leg deficit to win 6-1 at the Camp Nou in 2017.
Their most recent meetings came in the 2024/25 Champions League quarter-finals. PSG won 3-1 in Paris before Villa produced a spirited 3-2 victory at Villa Park, eventually losing 5-4 on aggregate.
There is clearly significant respect between the two managers.
Luis Enrique described Emery as an expert at improving player performance and praised both his experience and European record.
That assessment arrives at an interesting moment for Villa.
ReadAstonVilla reported earlier on Monday that Emery views the Super Cup as another opportunity to measure the club’s progress against Europe’s best.
Villa enter the game as Europa League holders, while PSG are the reigning Champions League winners.
Luis Enrique knows more than most about the challenge Emery’s teams can present.
His comments suggest PSG will certainly not be underestimating Villa when the two sides meet again.
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