Aston Villa's John McGinn Discusses Adapting to Premier League's New Respect

On February 24, 2024, Aston Villa celebrated a significant victory at Villa Park against Nottingham Forest, marking another milestone in their impressive Premier League journey. Central to their success, John McGinn shared insights on how Aston Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, is navigating the newfound respect from opponents that has accompanied their ascent to the fourth position in the league, just eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool. The team's exceptional performance has not only elevated them in the domestic league but also propelled them into the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League, with a highly anticipated match against Ajax on the horizon.

McGinn, in a conversation with TNT Sports' "Between The Lines," elaborated on the tactical shifts opponents have adopted when facing Aston Villa. He noted the challenges that come with this adjustment, stating, "That’s something we’ve had to adapt a lot more to. I don't think we've quite gotten there yet." Highlighting the strategic evolution since Emery's arrival, McGinn candidly discussed the initial struggles and the continuous effort to overcome teams' more cautious approaches towards Villa.

Under Unai Emery, who took over managerial duties in October 2022 following Steven Gerrard's departure, Villa has undergone a remarkable transformation. From a precarious position near the relegation zone early in the season, the team has found a new lease of life, with McGinn’s resurgence in form being a testament to this. Despite facing doubts about his future at the club, a pivotal discussion with Emery led to a change in his role on the pitch, resulting in a productive spell that saw him net six goals in the Premier League season thus far.

McGinn attributed his personal improvement to Emery's mentorship, specifically mentioning the influence of watching Villarreal midfielder Manu Trigueros. "He was a big player for Villarreal under the manager," McGinn said, illustrating Emery’s approach to nurturing flexible and adept players to fit his tactical vision.

The transformation at Villa Park extends beyond tactics and form, touching on the cultural shift amongst supporters. McGinn praised Emery's ability to educate and align the fans with the team's strategic direction, fostering a cohesive and supportive environment that has propelled Aston Villa to new heights.

Aston Villa's journey under Unai Emery, from flirting with relegation to contending at the top of the Premier League and making significant strides in European competition, reflects a team reborn. As they face the challenges of being a respected force in the league, the likes of John McGinn will be pivotal in adapting and overcoming the tactical hurdles presented by wary opponents. With a crucial match against Ajax looming, Aston Villa's adaptability and resilience will once again be put to the test.