Aston Villa vs PSG has taken another intriguing turn after Luis Enrique admitted the European champions are struggling with their preparation for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup. Several Paris Saint-Germain players have barely trained since returning from the World Cup, leaving Unai Emery with a potentially significant opportunity in Salzburg.
PSG had 15 players involved at the World Cup, which finished little more than three weeks ago. Their French, Spanish and Moroccan internationals only returned to the club on Monday, while the Brazilian and Portuguese contingent came back last week.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Luis Enrique made no attempt to disguise the difficulty of preparing his squad.
“In terms of a top-level game tomorrow, it will be difficult to see that.”
The PSG coach added that some members of his squad have barely trained, describing the situation created by the calendar as far from ideal.
Aston Villa vs PSG could expose preparation gap
Villa still face an enormous challenge against the Champions League holders, but Enrique’s admission gives Emery another reason to believe his side can cause problems.
ReadAstonVilla has already looked at how Villa can hurt PSG by recreating the aggressive approach that worked at Villa Park in 2025. Villa pressed significantly higher in that 3-2 victory and repeatedly forced PSG away from their preferred rhythm.
A lack of sharpness could make that approach even more valuable on Wednesday.
If PSG’s returning players are still finding their fitness, Villa have an opportunity to make the game physically demanding from the opening stages rather than allowing Luis Enrique’s side time to settle.
The French champions remain favourites and Enrique stressed that PSG will continue setting ambitious targets. His priority, however, is having the squad in peak condition later in the campaign rather than forcing players to reach that level immediately.
For Villa, there may never be a better time to face them.
