John McGinn never imagined that a childhood visit to the Paris Saint-Germain club shop on a family holiday would be the closest he would get to playing at the Parc des Princes. Yet now, Aston Villa is set to face PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals, marking a remarkable journey for the club. McGinn recalls stopping in Paris as a child, picking up a PSG kit, and never dreaming that one day he would be playing there.
Aston Villa has already navigated a challenging route in this season’s Champions League, with memorable trips to Young Boys, Leipzig, Monaco, and Brugge. Their latest test comes against PSG, who triumphed over Liverpool in a gripping last-16 tie decided by penalties. Despite PSG’s reputation, McGinn is confident that Villa can hold their own. He acknowledges the French side’s strength but insists that Villa has enough quality to make the tie competitive.
One of Villa’s standout moments this season was their victory over Bayern Munich, a result that showcased their ability to compete at the highest level. McGinn expects Villa fans to travel in large numbers for the match in Paris, believing that the team’s recent performances justify their ambitions. He encourages everyone to dare to dream, as the team has proven its ability to compete with the best.
Villa’s recent success has been fueled by strong performances from key players, including Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford. Asensio, on loan from PSG, has been particularly influential, scoring seven goals in his past five matches, including a brace against Club Brugge. Crucially, UEFA regulations allow him to play against his parent club, and McGinn believes Asensio will be highly motivated to prove himself. The midfielder is confident that Asensio’s inside knowledge of PSG will benefit Villa as they prepare for the tie.
McGinn will soon join Scotland for a Nations League double-header with Greece, while non-international players will travel to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp. Upon their return, an FA Cup quarter-final against Preston awaits, offering the prospect of a Wembley appearance. For McGinn and long-time teammate Tyrone Mings, the journey from struggling in the Championship to competing in Europe’s elite competition is a testament to the club’s progress.
Reflecting on past struggles, McGinn recalls heavy defeats to Millwall and Wigan in 2018-19, a season that ended in promotion via the playoffs. Now, Villa stands on the brink of a Champions League semi-final. While acknowledging the significance of the occasion, McGinn emphasizes the need to remain focused and deliver a strong performance against PSG. The journey has been extraordinary, but for Villa, the ambition is to continue competing at the highest level.
