The Champions League quarter-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa means a double reunion for Marco Asensio with his parent club. The Spaniard is on loan to the English side and hopes to cause an upset against the French champions with his temporary team. PSG coach Luis Enrique is not losing sleep over it.
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Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa are preparing to face off in a highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final clash scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th, at 21:00.
This encounter has gained special attention due to the involvement of Marco Asensio, a player with a deep connection to both clubs. Currently on loan at Aston Villa from PSG, Asensio is eager to showcase his talents against his parent club, hoping to help his temporary team achieve a memorable upset against the French giants.
Asensio’s journey to Aston Villa has been transformative. The 29-year-old Spanish forward, who struggled to find consistent playing time at PSG, has flourished under the leadership of Unai Emery. Aston Villa’s manager has given Asensio the freedom and tactical support to rediscover his best form. Since joining the Premier League club, Asensio has scored eight goals in just eleven official matches, surpassing his total of seven goals during a year and a half at PSG.
Luis Enrique, PSG’s manager, remains relaxed about the possibility of Asensio causing trouble for his side. Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Enrique made it clear that he holds no resentment toward his player. Instead, he expressed satisfaction at seeing Asensio thrive in England.
"No, I don't see that as a problem at all. On the contrary, I think it's great that he can play because he wasn't getting much playing time here," Enrique commented. "I know him very well: I had him with the national team and now also at PSG, and he was very important to me. He's a top player."
Enrique’s words reflect not only his admiration for Asensio’s talent but also his understanding of the need for the player to find consistent minutes on the pitch. The PSG manager acknowledged that Aston Villa has provided Asensio with the right environment to excel, something he was unable to guarantee at the Parc des Princes.
The reunion between Emery and PSG adds another layer of intrigue to the tie. Emery, who managed PSG from 2016 to 2018, is returning to the club he once led through a challenging period. His tenure is most famously remembered for the extraordinary 2017 Champions League Round of 16 defeat to Barcelona, when PSG squandered a 4-0 first-leg advantage to lose 6-1 in the second leg. Ironically, Luis Enrique was the Barcelona manager who masterminded that historic comeback, known as the “Remontada.”
Since then, both coaches have continued to build impressive resumes. Emery has cemented his reputation as a specialist in European competitions, particularly with his success at Villarreal, guiding them to a Europa League title in 2021. His transition to Aston Villa has been equally impressive, with the team showing notable improvement under his guidance and playing a more dynamic and organized style of football. Asensio has been a significant part of that resurgence, adapting well to Emery’s tactical demands and providing consistent attacking output.
“I’m happy to see him again. Throughout our careers, we’ve built a friendship through our encounters. He is one of the coaches with the most impressive careers in Europe. He’s a fantastic coach, and Aston Villa is a great team under him,” said Luis Enrique when asked about his fellow Spaniard. “He deserves recognition for the excellent results he has achieved. I just hope those results don’t come in the next two matches.”
Luis Enrique’s praise for Emery reflects the mutual respect the two coaches have developed over the years. Their tactical battles date back to their time in La Liga, when Emery managed Sevilla and Luis Enrique led Barcelona. Despite the competitive nature of their encounters, the two have maintained a cordial relationship, sharing admiration for each other’s achievements.
For Marco Asensio, these upcoming matches are about more than just advancing to the next round of the Champions League. They are an opportunity to prove himself against his parent club and remind PSG of the quality he still possesses. The Spaniard’s resurgence at Aston Villa has not gone unnoticed, with many fans and pundits praising his ability to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality and intensity.
His impressive form under Emery has also raised questions about his future at PSG. Asensio’s contract with the French club runs until the end of the next season, but his performances at Aston Villa may prompt PSG to reconsider his role upon his return. If he continues to shine against top-level opposition, his value could rise, giving him leverage in potential contract negotiations or transfer discussions.
Asensio’s determination to succeed against PSG is only natural, given the mixed experiences he has endured at the Parisian club. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, his time in the French capital has been hampered by inconsistent playing time and injuries. The loan move to Aston Villa has provided him with a fresh start, and he appears determined to make the most of it.
For Emery, this match represents a significant personal milestone as well. Returning to the Parc des Princes will inevitably bring back memories of his tumultuous tenure at PSG, including the unforgettable “Remontada” that continues to haunt the club’s European aspirations. However, Emery has moved on, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most tactically astute managers.
Aston Villa’s success under Emery is evident in their improved league performances and their journey to the Champions League quarter-finals. The team’s cohesion, discipline, and creativity in the final third have made them a formidable opponent for any club. Asensio’s contributions have been central to this success, with his versatility and vision providing Aston Villa with an added dimension in attack.
Wednesday’s match promises to be a thrilling encounter, pitting two ambitious clubs against each other with much at stake. For PSG, it is another attempt to achieve European glory, a goal that has eluded them despite heavy investment. For Aston Villa, it is a chance to prove themselves against one of the continent’s most star-studded teams.
As the build-up continues, all eyes will be on Marco Asensio and how he performs against the club that still holds his contract. His progress under Emery has been remarkable, and if he manages to make a decisive impact over the two legs, it could further complicate PSG’s decision-making regarding his future.
Whether he shines or struggles, the narrative surrounding Marco Asensio’s return to Paris will undoubtedly be a major talking point throughout the Champions League quarter-final.
