UEL Final: Aston Villa ready for Freiburg’s test

Aston Villa FC captain John McGinn has described reaching the Europa League final as the “proudest moment” of his time leading the club ahead of Wednesday’s showdown with SC Freiburg in Istanbul. 

Villa will contest their biggest European match in decades as they look to crown a remarkable rise under manager Unai Emery.

Speaking during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, McGinn reflected on the club’s transformation since narrowly avoiding a return to the Championship several years ago.

The midfielder said the journey from difficult away trips in England’s second tier to a European final was “brilliant” and credited the players, coaching staff, and owners for helping rebuild the club into a continental contender.

He added that lifting the Europa League trophy would represent the greatest achievement of his Villa career so far.

Emery, meanwhile, played down suggestions that his impressive history in the competition would give Villa an automatic advantage. 

The Spanish coach has won the Europa League four times in his managerial career but insisted past successes would count for little against Freiburg. 

He warned his side must show the same mentality and respect that carried them to the final, stressing that “football is difficult and winning is difficult” despite the confidence growing within the squad.

Villa’s preparations have also been boosted by positive signs surrounding Amadou Onana, although Emery confirmed a late decision will be made on the midfielder’s fitness. 

Onana trained with the squad this week after injury concerns, but the manager said the club would wait until matchday before deciding whether he is ready to start. 

Emery added that Villa had already shown they could adapt tactically in the absence of key midfield players this season.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also spoke confidently ahead of the final, backing himself if the match goes to penalties and praising the unity within the Villa squad. 

The World Cup winner said the core of the team had grown together over several seasons and deserved the opportunity to compete for a European trophy.