Hansi Flick has explained his shock decision to hand Marc-Andre ter Stegen a first start in months, insisting the veteran goalkeeper deserved the "opportunity" to step back between the sticks. The Barcelona boss hailed the German’s attitude after a morale-boosting victory, though he was quick to clarify the keeper’s immediate status in the pecking order.
Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford were on target for Barcelona in the second half as the La Liga champions secured a hard-fought 2-0 win over third-tier Spanish side CD Guadalajara in a Copa del Rey round of 32 clash on Tuesday. The minnows fought tooth and nail throughout the match and had successfully kept a clean sheet until the 76th minute but Hansi Flick's side eventually prevailed.
Hansi Flick has confirmed that the decision regarding Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future lies solely with the goalkeeper himself, insisting the club is happy to keep him despite his reduced role. The Barcelona boss addressed the situation ahead of the Copa del Rey fixture against Guadalajara, where he revealed that current number one Joan Garcia will be dropped to the bench to rest.
Fifteen players from the Aston Villa Wesleyan Chapel cricket team formed the Aston Villa Football Club in the 1870s.
Who are the owners of Aston Villa?
Aston Villa are owned by V Sports, a joint venture between billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wesley Edens. Atairos, an investment company based in the UK, became a minority partner of V Sports in April 2024.
What is Aston Villa's stadium called?
Aston Villa play all their home games at the Villa Park since 1897.
What is Villa Park's capacity?
Villa Park has a capacity of over 42,000 and has hosted more FA Cup semi-final games than any other stadium in history.
How many trophies have Aston Villa won?
Aston Villa have won 22 titles throughout their history, including seven English top-flight titles, one European Cup (now known as the Champions League), and seven FA Cups.
How many Premier League (top flight) titles have Aston Villa won?
Aston Villa have won seven top-flight titles, but have failed to clinch a league trophy in the Premier League era. They last won the first division in the 1980-81 season.
Who has made the most appearances for Aston Villa?
Former Scottish left-back Charlie Aitken has made the most appearances for Aston Villa, featuring in 660 games for the club from 1961 to 1975.
Who is Aston Villa's all-time top goalscorer?
One of the greatest players to ever play for Aston Villa, Billy Walker is the club's record goalscorer of all-time with 244 goals to his name.
Which famous players have played for Aston Villa ?
Jack Grealish, Dwight Yorke, Emiliano Martinez, Gordon Cowans, and Gareth Barry are among the most respectable players in Aston Villa history, with the club also luring legends like Peter Schmeichel and Paul McGrath.
Which famous managers have been in charge of Aston Villa?
Steven Gerrard, Steve Bruce, Gerard Houllier and Unai Emery are among the big names to have led Aston Villa during its illustrious history.
What is Aston Villa's nickname?
Aston Villa are famously known as The Villans. The name 'Villa' is derived from the Villa Cross Wesleyan Church, whose former cricket club passed on the name to the club.