Luis Enrique “gave me freedom” and “helped me reach a level of play that I’d never even imagined,” says PSG’s Hakimi | OneFootball

On the eve of PSG’s second-leg semi-final clash against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League, Achraf Hakimi praised Luis Enrique as one of the best coaches he’s ever played for and highlighted the “freedom” he’s been given under the Spaniard.

Paris Saint-Germain have undergone something of a idealogical transformation in recent years, opting to swap the big-name players like Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi for a more well-rounded team brimming with youthful energy.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Hakimi explained: “The project, from the president, the sporting director, Luis Campos, and the coach, since he came here two years ago, they tried to build a team more than star players.”

“I think that is the key for this new Paris Saint-Germain.”

“The collective is more important than individuality. I feel like together, we are stronger. I think in these kinds of games during the season, you can feel that.”

Younger players taking prominent roles within the squad has meant that Hakimi’s role has adapted, with the Moroccan international taking on more of a senior role. “I try to help all the players in our team,” he said, “especially the younger ones. It’s an important role that I try to assume by setting an example on and off the pitch. I think it’s the best thing I can do.”

That’s just one small part of the 26-year-old’s development, though. A prominent figure in the PSG defence and hailed by some as the world’s best full-back, Hakimi suggested that the 2024/25 season has been “one of my best”.

“I have more confidence in myself and I feel more mature. Thanks to the experience I’ve gained, I feel better [but] I can still improve, that’s my objective. My individual goals help me to improve but the most important thing is to win with the team, both at club and international level.”

Luis Enrique has played a crucial role in that progression, Hakimi insisted on Tuesday as he credited the Spaniard for helping him to “reach a level of play that I’d never even imagined.”

“Thanks to that, I’ve become a more complete player. He gave me the freedom I needed.”

PSG will look to defend their one-goal advantage from last week’s first leg when they meet Arsenal again at the Parc des Princes, with kick-off in the French capital scheduled for 20:00 BST [21:00 CEST] on Wednesday 7 May.