On the eve of the European Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, Matty Cash—the Villans’ 29-year-old right-back—displays as much respect as ambition. Speaking on Aston Villa’s official website, the Polish international heaps praise on PSG while framing the match as the culmination of the work done last season.
Cash: “The best team in the world, by far”
“The manager has spoken about it in recent days: the season is over, but the Super Cup remains—it’s the finishing touch to the work we put in last season. We’re facing a fantastic team, a side that is constantly in the spotlight. In my opinion, they are currently the best team in the world, by far. I hope we can give them a good game. When we faced them in the Champions League, we gave them a real run for their money.
It’s a special match for us. It’s another chance to win a trophy, so I hope we give it our all and put in a great performance. Since arriving, the manager has instilled a winning mentality and made it clear what it takes to come out on top.”
It is high praise indeed, but Cash’s comments go beyond mere respect for Paris Saint-Germain. This Super Cup also represents a direct reward for the journeys both teams undertook last season. For both Paris and Aston Villa, this fixture serves as an extension of a successful European campaign. The Villans are well aware of the caliber of their opponent, yet their previous Champions League encounter fuels their belief that they can trouble PSG once again.
Cash: “When the club wins trophies and competes at the highest level, you want to stay”
“Last year, we talked about winning trophies; “We’ve finished in the top four, five, or six for three or four consecutive seasons now. We set the bar high by competing in European competition and performing well in the league; I think that’s what everyone wants.
Consistently performing at this level spells success for both the team and the club, so we have to live up to the standards and expectations we set for ourselves as a group. When the club is winning trophies and competing at the top level, you want to stay there.”
Aston Villa, therefore, does not view its appearance in this Super Cup as the ultimate goal. Cash sees the match as part of the club’s overall progress under Unai Emery and reflects a now-open ambition to win. Facing a PSG side he ranks among the best in world football presents a massive challenge. Yet, this is precisely the kind of match both teams earned the right to play through their hard work the previous season—only this time, there is a trophy immediately up for grabs.
