Hakimi opens up: dreams, Champions League ambitions and PSG v Bayern Munich | OneFootball

Achraf Hakimi, the 26-year-old right-back for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco, shared his thoughts with PSG TV. It was an opportunity to express his feelings about last season's Champions League victory, his status, future objectives, and the upcoming match against Bayern Munich this Tuesday (Matchday 4) at Parc des Princes at 9 PM.

Hakimi "I am happy to have made history and to be able to continue doing so at this club."

What is your feeling after the Champions League victory?

I think it's mostly a relief. You free yourself from something you wanted to achieve, in a club that has never won the Champions League. Being the first in history is a huge satisfaction. The truth is, I am happy to have made history and to be able to continue doing so at this club.

A great moment in your career?

When I signed with Paris, one of my goals was to make history and write my pages in this club, which, despite having great players, hadn't managed to win the Champions League that everyone hoped for and that the fans were waiting for.

I also had a personal goal: to give my best to reach the final and win the title. Thank God, that's what happened and I was able to fulfill a dream.

Hakimi "It makes me proud."

Is it a pride to also represent Morocco?

As you say, representing not only Paris Saint-Germain but also Morocco, and being a player who represents all this in a Champions League final, is not easy. Being one of the great players who have won the Champions League is a pride, and to place the flag with a trophy that is very important in football. It makes me proud, and above all, it makes Moroccans proud of me.

How do you give back this support?

I try to give my best, to bring them and feel the affection of all Moroccans because it gives me a lot of strength. I try to give them this strength they give me, to transmit it on the field, to make them love what I do. And then, if I can do something more, I would be happy to do it.

Hakimi "I knew I had a responsibility."

Was it a dream to be an idol?

When I started playing football, no, it wasn't my dream to be a reference for young people. But when I realized my dream and became who I am, I knew I had a responsibility. I am followed by children, I have to set an example and make them feel proud of their Moroccan player in all aspects. And give them strength for their dream, which can come true if they fight and work. It's a support.

Being elected the best African player, is it another dream? Another goal?

It's true that it's not something I always had in mind, but now that you have the chance to win, it's a dream. I work hard to achieve collective and individual goals. Thanks to God, I am now among the candidates who can win it.

I think that after my season, I am among those who deserve it and I am happy to be one of the favorites. It gives me even more strength to continue, to make sacrifices to still be on the list.

Hakimi "I have taken on more responsibility."

A turning point this season, thanks to work?

I think it's true that I have worked a lot off the field and especially on the field. I have taken on more responsibility, I feel more comfortable with my teammates, with the club, with my coach, and it shows in my matches.

In reality, my teammates help me a lot and, in the end, when we understand each other better, everything goes better and better. I also try to take care of myself to be present in all matches, especially in important matches, where I like to show what kind of player I am. The truth is, I have matured a lot in recent years and I hope to continue to mature, to grow as a player and especially as a person.

Hakimi "There aren't many teams that have won twice in a row, so it's a motivating challenge."

Is it more difficult or easier to start the season as reigning champions?

I wouldn't say it's easy or difficult. It's a kind of responsibility and it's something that gives you strength to defend a title knowing that we are the champions and it's a challenge for us to prove that we have been the champions and that it is the case.

There aren't many teams that have won twice in a row, so it's a motivating challenge and it should give strength. We know that the path was difficult last year, but if we are together and work together, we can do it again.

Hakimi "it will be incredible."

A better start in the Champions League than last season?

Yes, the truth is that last year was a bit more difficult, we didn't start in the best way, there were changes, but I think today the team is a bit the same as last year with few changes. I think the team, the confidence we have in ourselves is incredible. Each match we progress, we feel more comfortable. I think we have shown it in every match and that we see better matches from us.

PSG/Bayern, a match everyone loves?

Yes, that's the case. These are matches that are enjoyable to play, for which you want to prepare physically and mentally, it's the Champions League, on our field, with our supporters. These are moments to prepare for and that we must enjoy.

It will be a difficult match. We are facing a team in very good shape, we have already faced them and it's a very strong team. But I think we are also in very good shape and for those who will play, it will be a very beautiful match. But also for those who will watch and who love football, it will be incredible.

Hakimi "we are in a good dynamic."

Confidence in the face of this challenge?

As I said, we have started well, we feel good, confident, and little by little, we must focus on each match. We know that the Champions League changes very quickly, on small details, but I think we are in a good dynamic, with a good mindset and we will continue like this.

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