Kvaratskhelia on PSG, Spurs, defending, Hakimi and his role | OneFootball

Saturday, during the 5th matchday of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (5th) will face Tottenham (10th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9pm, broadcast on Canal+). On the eve of this match, Parisian striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.

Kvaratskhelia: “We have to do everything for the win.”

How important is it to react after the defeat against Bayern?

It was a tough match against Bayern. I think the second half was good for us. We lost at home, now we have a chance to bounce back. We have to do everything for the win.

João Neves, PSG’s top scorer this season?

He is one of the best players on the team right now. It’s not important who scores, we just want to win. It doesn’t matter who scores today or tomorrow.

What can you improve in your individual game?

I think there are a lot of aspects I can work on. I do it, I could score more, make more passes. Every day, I try to be the best version of myself.

Kvaratskhelia: “I realized that every player really has to take part. You have to help the defense.”

Are defensive efforts natural, does Luis Enrique develop that? Do you enjoy defending?

I can say that before, I wasn’t really like that. I focused on attacking. But I realized that every player really has to take part. You have to help the defense. I’ve improved, I’ve made progress on this point thanks to the coach. In any case, I give everything on the pitch. I try to help in every aspect. Off the pitch as well.

Did it take time to get going this season?

Of course, it was difficult. We had a long season and little rest. We came back, we won the European Supercup. It was a big season, it was hard to come back physically. But now we are totally ready and we’re showing it. I feel very good right now.

Kvaratskhelia: “Marquinhos is a true leader, a great person.”

Your opinion on Tottenham, who are in a tough spell?

They play very well, they have good counter-attacks and a good defense. We were losing 2-0 in August. We managed to come back. It will be a tough match. But we feel really good, ready.

Winning despite a lack of consistency, is that something you’re aiming for?

Being consistent is one of the hardest things, playing well to help the team.

A word about Marquinhos before his 500th match?

Marquinhos is a true leader, a great person. Every day, with every coach, he motivates us, he talks to us.

Kvaratskhelia: “They can be among the best in the future.”

A word about Hakimi? How do you compensate for his absence?

It’s hard to replace him. He is one of the best players right now. He deserves the African Ballon d’Or. It’s complicated to replace him. The coach is preparing solutions without him. We hope he will be back soon. He’s a fabulous player, a really great person.

What do you like about the Titis?

They are incredible. They work very hard. Sometimes, you don’t even realize they are 16-17 years old. They keep working after training, they want to learn. When they come with us, you don’t see that they are Titis. They can be among the best in the future. They’re great guys.

Kvaratskhelia: “He will show that he deserves to be on the pitch.”

Kolo Muani hasn’t had the expected impact so far at the Spurs?

We know he’s a very good player, he’s dangerous. He will show that he deserves to be on the pitch. It’s a great opportunity for him tomorrow. We’ll have to be careful tomorrow to limit his influence.

What have you learned about French football since arriving in Paris?

French football, some say it’s easy but it’s very complicated. There’s fast, tough play. Everyone wants to beat us, nothing is easy. The level is easily in the top 5.

Kvaratskhelia: “I hope to be able to play on the right as quickly as on the left. I hope to be able to play on the right as quickly as on the left.”

A resemblance to Edinson Cavani in your fighting spirit, is that innate or something you work on?

As I said earlier, I wasn’t like that before. I was more focused on attacking and not on defending. But I realized that defending is really important for the team. I give my all to contribute in every aspect. I can still improve. But I will always give 100%. I know I’ve given everything at the end of the match.

A preference for your position? Do you like to switch?

For me, everyone knows I like to play on the left. But, as I said, in football you have to be able to play. It’s good to be able to switch sides and play the same way. It’s not always easy, I’ve played a lot on the left. I hope to be able to play on the right as quickly as on the left.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.