The countdown to the UEFA Super Cup final has taken another dramatic twist after Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos issued a powerful statement that will only increase the anticipation ahead of Wednesday night’s blockbuster clash with Aston Villa.
The French champions are refusing to be distracted by their recent success and have made it clear they are travelling to Salzburg with one objective—winning yet another major trophy.
Despite already establishing themselves as one of Europe’s dominant forces, PSG insist their hunger remains stronger than ever, with captain Marquinhos sending a clear message that Villa should expect another relentless performance from Luis Enrique’s side.
Speaking ahead of the final, the experienced Brazilian defender stressed that PSG’s mentality has not changed despite their growing collection of silverware.
Instead of celebrating previous achievements, the squad is fully focused on adding another trophy to an already remarkable era for the club.
According to Marquinhos, success from previous seasons means very little inside the PSG dressing room because every campaign begins with fresh ambitions and new expectations.
That mentality could provide Aston Villa with their toughest challenge yet.
Unai Emery has transformed Villa into genuine European contenders, guiding the club to Europa League glory and earning a place in the UEFA Super Cup after one of the most memorable campaigns in recent history.
However, preparations for the final have been far from ideal.
Villa arrive in Austria without several influential players after injuries ruled both Johan Manzambi and Amadou Onana out of the contest. The squad has also undergone significant changes during the summer transfer window following the departures of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and, perhaps most intriguingly, Lucas Digne.
The French full-back has completed an emotional return to Paris Saint-Germain and now finds himself preparing to face his former teammates just days after leaving Villa Park.
His presence has naturally raised questions about whether he may have shared tactical information with Luis Enrique’s coaching staff ahead of such an important encounter.
PSG midfielder Vitinha played down those suggestions.
While admitting he had spoken with Digne since his return, the Portuguese international insisted their conversations had not focused on Aston Villa’s tactical approach.
Instead, he acknowledged that Villa remain one of the strongest opponents PSG could have drawn and expects another fiercely competitive European battle.
The two clubs know each other well after meeting in last season’s Champions League quarter-finals.
Although PSG eventually progressed with a narrow aggregate victory, Villa produced an unforgettable performance during the second leg at Villa Park that pushed the French champions to their limits and almost completed one of the greatest European comebacks in the club’s history.
Those memories remain fresh inside the PSG dressing room.
Vitinha admitted the French champions still remember just how dangerous Emery’s side proved during that dramatic tie and believes Villa’s tactical identity remains intact despite several personnel changes this summer.
Marquinhos echoed those sentiments, praising Emery’s ability to build an organised, competitive team capable of causing problems against Europe’s biggest clubs.
The Brazilian also welcomed Digne back to Paris, describing the defender as someone who understands the club’s history after spending part of his earlier career with PSG.
However, he made it clear that attention is now fixed entirely on lifting another European trophy.
The World Cup has complicated preparations for both finalists.
Several PSG players only recently returned from international duty, meaning Luis Enrique’s squad is unlikely to be operating at peak physical condition.
Villa face similar challenges after several key players reported back late following international commitments.
Even so, Marquinhos insists excuses have no place inside the PSG camp.
According to the captain, every trophy matters regardless of the circumstances, and the players have embraced Luis Enrique’s demanding mentality of constantly chasing new success instead of dwelling on previous victories.
That relentless drive has become one of PSG’s greatest strengths.
For Aston Villa, the challenge is enormous—but so is the opportunity.
Victory over the reigning European champions would represent another historic milestone under Emery and further establish Villa among the continent’s elite clubs.
For PSG, meanwhile, anything less than lifting the trophy would be viewed as a missed opportunity.
With two ambitious clubs, elite managers and European silverware on the line, all the ingredients are in place for one of the most compelling Super Cup finals in recent memory.
And after Marquinhos’ powerful warning, Aston Villa now know exactly the mentality they will face when they step onto the pitch in Salzburg.
