Liverpool/PSG – Hakimi on progress, mood, allegation and Luis Enrique | OneFootball

On Tuesday, during the second leg of the 2025-2026 Champions League quarter-finals (2-0 in the first leg), Paris Saint-Germain will face Liverpool at Anfield (kick-off at 9 p.m., broadcast on Canal+). On the eve of this match, Paris right-back Achraf Hakimi (27) answered several questions at a press conference.

Hakimi: “Liverpool will be ready to give everything, and so must we.”

A year ago, you were one goal behind and seen as the underdog. What is different within the group now that you have the lead and favorite status?

I don’t think there is any favorite. We’ve already seen that even with a two-goal gap, a comeback is possible. The mindset is positive, with a lot of confidence. It will be a very important match for us, and we will be very focused. We will pay attention to every detail. Liverpool will be ready to give everything, and so must we.

Is PSG stronger than last season?

The difference is that the team is full of confidence. We know the path we took last season, and we are the defending champions. That gives us confidence to move forward and handle this kind of match.

Were you impressed by the atmosphere at Anfield? Does already knowing it make it feel less intimidating?

We know the atmosphere will be incredible. We know their supporters, but also ours. They will support us in every moment. We know what it was like, and that gives us confidence. We will stay focused on every detail.

Hakimi: “I’m focused on what comes next and leaving that in the hands of my lawyers and the justice system.”

What is your view on the decision in the rape case? Could such a decision affect your career?

I know the accusation is false. I am calm. I’m focused on what comes next and leaving that in the hands of my lawyers and the justice system.

Does this season feel never-ending? Has it been harder physically or mentally?

It’s true that since last year we have played a lot of matches. We had to get started quickly. But it is a pleasure to go all the way in competitions. It was also a special season with the AFCON and my injury. It was mentally exhausting, and I worked a lot to get back in shape. It didn’t end in the best way, but I had to keep going with Paris. With the support of the coach, my teammates, and those around me, I was able to get back to my best physically and mentally, which is the most important thing.

Hakimi: “It really is a pleasure to have a coach with this idea.”

Has Luis Enrique changed your career?

I don’t know, but it’s true that his arrival really changed the way I see football, just as it did for Nuno Mendes. We were full-backs playing out wide, and Luis Enrique showed us another role. He changed our perspective. It really is a pleasure to have a coach with this idea. You can also see it in our performances; he helps us raise our level.

How do you experience your role as a leader now? Is it different from your early days at PSG?

With the experience I have gained in my career and at the club, I try to help my teammates. I try to pass on the messages from Luis Enrique and Marquinhos, who is our captain. I want to give confidence and show what it means to give everything for the club.

Are you improving physically? Are you at 100%?

It has not been an easy season, especially with the injury. I wanted to come back as quickly as possible for the AFCON, and I put in a lot of effort. But now I feel good, and I think I’m at 100%. I raise my level with every match, and I’m very happy with my current form.

Hakimi: “It’s a pleasure to celebrate titles, and we hope to keep going.”

How do you stay focused when Europe is afraid of you? How do you avoid feeling superior?

We do not think we are superior. The most important thing is to enjoy ourselves and work toward our goals. It’s a pleasure to celebrate titles, and we hope to keep going. We want to keep enjoying it and celebrate again. So we keep up our performances.

Three matches from the final, do you talk about it?

You know the answer, but we stay focused. The team talks about the fact that this is the key moment, that we have to give everything in every match and every training session. We can still achieve great things.

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