The latest goings-on at Aston Villa as club football returns this weekend following the March internationals
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Aston Villa winger Marcus Rashford
Aston Villa winger Marcus Rashford(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa return to action this weekend after the final international break of the season.
Unai Emery’s side will take on Preston North End in the FA Cup quarter-finals at Deepdale on Sunday, before playing six games in 17 days - including the Champions League quarter-final legs against Paris Saint-Germain.
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In the Premier League, Villa are only three points off fifth place and four behind fourth-placed Chelsea, but there’s plenty of competition for European positions heading into the run-in.
Here’s a look at the latest goings-on in and around Villa ahead of club football returning this weekend…
Monchi: Rashford and Asensio improving
Monchi has been speaking to the Spanish press about a variety of subjects, including Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Sevilla.
He was also asked about Arda Guler’s future and revealed that Villa had considered a move for the wonderkid in January. You can find that story here.
Monchi, who signed five players in the winter window, spoke to Radio Marca about why Emery was crucial in attracting top talent.
"Unai is a coach who has historically helped players grow,” Monchi said. “There are players like Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio who have improved since Unai arrived.
"Coming here makes players better, and that's our main selling point, beyond offering a project that's fighting for the top eight in the Champions League, that wants to continue growing, and that wants to keep playing in Europe."
Garcia recalls 'explosion of emotions'
One of Villa’s January recruits, Andres Garcia, received his first call-up to the Spain Under-21s for the March internationals.
He played in both of their matches against the Czech Republic and Germany, making his first start in the latter.
“I remember the squad list was announced on the Friday, and I was eagerly waiting at home with my family,” Garcia told ABC Sevilla. “My mom was working but kept checking her phone, and I was with my dad. Around noon, my agent called and told me I had been selected.
“It was such a relief — an explosion of emotions. I was with my parents, and we were overjoyed. What I’ve felt these first few days is that there’s an incredible bond within the group.
“The entire coaching staff, the press, and everyone in general make you feel welcome and comfortable. Their goal is to make things easier for you so you can enjoy the experience, which is what it’s all about.”
When asked if he was expecting the call-up, Garcia said: “Honestly, no. You’re aware of the possibility because the club gives you a heads-up, and people around you mention that it could happen.
“But you know there’s a lot of competition. There are other full-backs at a very high level. I was hopeful but realistic. I was confident in the work I had put in and how I had progressed throughout the year.
“Ultimately, it was the coaching staff’s decision — Santi Denia and the others. I’m extremely grateful to everyone and ready to prove why I’m here, eager to give my all.”
Garcia added: “I live by the motto of taking it day by day. Even before joining Aston Villa, back when I was at Levante, my focus was on being happy with what I did each day - improving as much as I could and gaining experience.
“I tried to learn from everyone around me. I watched videos, matches, and full-backs who had come before me. I focused on improving the areas where I knew I could get better, based on the feedback I received. It’s a constant cycle.
“For me, effort is the foundation of everything. Talent is important, of course, but effort and mentality are the key pillars—how you handle setbacks, how you push through, and how you stay grounded and committed when opportunities arise.”
Konsa shines in Tuchel's first matches
Of all the Villa players who joined up with their national teams, the big winner has to be Ezri Konsa.
The 27-year-old started both of Thomas Tuchel’s first two matches in charge of the Three Lions, playing in his preferred right centre-back role.
Konsa made his England debut 12 months ago after patiently waiting for his chance on the international stage.
He impressed at Euro 2024 when called upon, but Marc Guehi was initially preferred by Gareth Southgate.
Now, after being given a vote of confidence by Tuchel - and, more importantly, repaying that trust with two excellent displays - a starting berth is now Konsa’s to lose.
Marcus Rashford also started both matches against Albania and Latvia.
Tuchel thought the winger didn’t impact the game enough against Albania but still credited his “hunger and desire.”
Elsewhere, Ian Maatsen scored on his senior debut for the Netherlands against Spain, before Villa teammate Donyell Malen missed a penalty in the shootout defeat in Valencia.
Claret & Blue catch-up
Who impressed you in the international break? Have your say here