McGinn focused on Barça task

John McGinn insists he and his Aston Villa teammates are focused on what proves to be a tough task, as they face Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

Unai Emery’s Villans travel to Camp Nou on Matchday Four looking to maintain their 100% start to the league phase.

And, despite looking forward to a special occasion, the Villa skipper is keen to ensure they can return from Barcelona with special memories.

McGinn said: “You always want to face new teams, new experiences, not only for players to test yourselves, but for supporters to experience it as well.

“I was looking for Barcelona or Real Madrid away and we managed to get Barça, so it’s a great draw, but obviously we’re under no illusions.

“It’s only going to be an enjoyable experience if we can come away with the three points, so we’re all excited and looking forward to it.

“We’re no different to anyone else in football that really looks forward to playing there and pitting themselves against one of the best teams in the world, so we’re really excited, but focused on the task ahead.

“Obviously, a very special game, but once you get over that fact that you’re playing Barcelona away, we’re going over there to put a performance in and carry on what has been an unbelievable start in the Champions League.”

Having arrived in B6 eight years ago back in the summer of 2018, McGinn has been a mainstay throughout Villa’s incredible rise from the Championship to the Champions League.

Reflecting on the journey, McGinn admits he looks back with pride on his time at the club to date, and hopes to keep making more memories.

He added: “It’s been an amazing journey, (I’m) so proud to be a big part of it. But now, the most amazing thing is that it’s become slightly normal – these sorts of occasions, these nights.

“It’s what the club and the owners sold to me when I joined back then. Did I picture it was going to happen and happen so quickly? No, but the owners had that vision, and what they’ve got is a manager that’s come in and allowed us to basically see that the dream was actually a reality.

“It’s been special, and it’s certainly one we’ll enjoy, but only enjoy if we win.

“I do get asked about it quite a bit, but we’re playing so many games, the manager’s so demanding, that you just need to think about the next game.

“We’re playing every three or four days, which when you take a step back, means we’re involved in the latter stages of competitions and involved in the elite tournaments in the in the world.

“I’m loving it. I don’t want it to stop. I know at one point it will stop, but it’s living an unexpected dream, and especially seeing the way the club’s grown – and to be involved in that – has been amazing.”

Click below now to watch McGinn’s full pre-match interview with VillaTV…