Unai Emery: We must feel proud of Super Cup performance against PSG
By Joel Masibo, August 13, 2026Aston Villa manager Unai Emery praised his side’s effort and competitiveness after they narrowly lost 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, insisting there was plenty for his players to take pride in from their display in Salzburg.
The Europa League holders faced the Champions League winners in the season’s curtain raiser as Unai sought to win his first-ever Super Cup after failing to do so in three different occasions on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
“With a loss, you can never feel happy but how we compete, how the players respond on the field for 90 minutes. And our chances to score, we must feel really very proud of what we have done today,” Emery told TNT Sports.
Villa push PSG
The defeat denied Villa a first piece of silverware in the new campaign, but Emery’s youthful team pushed the European champions all the way at the Red Bull Arena.
PSG went in front after 20 minutes when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia cut in from the left before finding the far corner with a composed finish.
Villa, however, responded impressively and levelled just before half-time through 17-year-old Brian Madjo. The teenager produced a memorable moment on his professional debut, becoming the youngest player ever to score in the UEFA Super Cup.
Madjo had already threatened before his historic goal, sending a header narrowly wide before seeing another effort miss the target. He then failed to convert a close-range header shortly before finally finding the net in first-half stoppage time.
His performance was particularly significant for Villa, who were missing several established stars following their extended post-World Cup rest periods. Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez were among those unavailable, giving youngsters such as Madjo and 19-year-old George Hemmings the opportunity to test themselves against some of Europe’s best players.
PSG eventually regained control in the 61st minute. Desire Doue broke beyond the Villa defence and finished to put Luis Enrique’s side back in front.
Villa almost responded immediately, with Hemmings forcing a strong save from Matvey Safonov after the teenager found himself with an opportunity to restore parity.
PSG managed to protect their advantage during the closing stages and lifted the Super Cup for another season, but Villa’s performance offered Emery plenty of encouragement.
Contribution of teenagers
The Aston Villa boss was particularly pleased with the contribution of his teenage players.
“Their experiences and having days like today are very important,” Emery said when discussing Madjo and Hemmings.
He added, “They show how are they are learning after their hard work. This is the way. We decided before the game how we wanted to play this game; we have worked the players in these positions.”
The result gave PSG an early trophy in the 2026/27 campaign, while Villa left Salzburg empty-handed despite producing a spirited performance against the reigning European champions.
For Emery, the night was another indication that his developing squad possesses the character and emerging talent to compete at the highest level.