"I thought my time was up": How a hotel chat saved Aston Villa star's career

Aston Villa captain John McGinn's career trajectory took an unexpected turn, transforming from a player on the verge of being transferred to a key figure in the club's Champions League qualification. The Scottish midfielder recently shared the story of a crucial conversation with manager Unai Emery that changed everything, setting the stage for Villa's impressive resurgence in English football.

A candid hotel room chat

In late November 2022, just before Emery's first match as Villa's manager against Manchester United, he and McGinn had a frank discussion in the team hotel. Emery, having meticulously reviewed 20 of McGinn's previous games, saw untapped potential in the player's earlier performances. The manager confronted McGinn about his recent dip in form and revealed that there had been suggestions to strip him of the captaincy and transfer him out. McGinn, taken aback by this revelation, admitted,

"I was thinking, 'Why has he watched 20 games of mine?' I thought my time was up. A few games later, we played Brentford and won convincingly. I remember thinking, 'I'm not going to be part of this.' I thought I was finished. You start hearing from other clubs you might be available and you think, 'What? Am I?'"

- John McGinn (via The Mirror)

Despite these initial doubts, Emery's belief in McGinn proved to be the turning point. The manager's decision to work closely with the midfielder helped him regain his confidence and form, setting the stage for a remarkable comeback.

Champions League dreams realised

Under Emery's guidance, McGinn played a pivotal role in Aston Villa's qualification for the Champions League, a feat that had eluded the club for 41 years. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Villa's history, with McGinn at the heart of their success.

As Villa prepares for their Champions League campaign, McGinn exudes excitement and pride. He acknowledges their underdog status but believes their unique playing style could surprise opponents. "If teams don't study us in depth, I think our system could cause them problems," he stated confidently.

Building a competitive squad

Villa's rising profile is attracting top-tier talent, including players like Ian Maatsen, who brings Champions League final experience to the team. This influx of seasoned players and promising young talent has bolstered McGinn's confidence in Villa's ability to compete at the highest level of European football.

The midfielder's enthusiasm is evident as he anticipates stepping onto the Champions League stage. While many players dream of hearing the iconic anthem, McGinn is more excited about playing alongside his teammates in this prestigious competition. His pride was palpable when he received Villa's Champions League kit, complete with the famous UEFA logo.

A new chapter begins

For John McGinn and Aston Villa, this Champions League journey represents the realisation of a long-held dream. With Unai Emery's strategic leadership and a talented squad ready to face Europe's elite, Villa fans have much to look forward to in this exciting new chapter.

The team's first test will come in Bern, where they face Young Boys in their Champions League opener. As McGinn leads his team onto the pitch, he'll carry with him the memory of that pivotal conversation with Emery—a moment that not only saved his Villa career but also set the club on a path to European glory.