On Wednesday, in the second leg of their Champions League 2024-2025 semi-final (0-1 win in the first leg), Paris Saint-Germain take on Arsenal at the Parc des Princes (kick-off 9pm, CET). On the eve of the match, Paris full-back Achraf Hakimi (26) answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Hakimi “We want the match to start”.
How do you feel about the team?
The team is very confident. We’re very keen for the match to start and we can’t wait to show what we all want – to reach the final. We can’t wait for the game to start.
The most exciting match of your career? Why are you so serene in the group?
I don’t know if it’s the most exciting, but it’s definitely part of it. Given its level and importance. We’re just one step away from the final.
There’s a bit more serenity after last year’s semi-final, because we already know what we did well and what we didn’t do so well. We know what we need to continue doing. We’ve got good momentum and great confidence. I think that’s reflected in our matches and will serve us well tomorrow.
Hakimi “We know it’s going to be a special night for all Parisians.”
How is the group preparing for a great atmosphere?
We know it’s going to be a special evening for all Parisians. The atmosphere will be incredible inside and outside the stadium. We want the support of the fans right up to the last minute, so they’ll be very proud and we’ll be giving it our all. We want to reach this final, which we deserve after all our hard work this season. There were some difficult moments, but our fans were there, and they deserve it too.
Did the first leg give you a chance to work on your set-pieces? Is that Arsenal’s number 1 threat?
I think that throughout the year we’ve played other opponents who are also very strong, and we’ve defended well. We’ve also created danger. But the key is not to give away any of their strong points, including set-pieces. You have to concentrate on every detail, and that’s what makes the difference.
Hakimi “Some people doubted, but we always supported him.”
Donnarumma’s season and role as a leader?
As you can see, he’s one of the best in the world. We have great confidence in him. Some people doubted him, but we always backed him up and he responded in the best possible way. A keeper like him gives you confidence. You can also see his good humor, he’s close to us. It’s important to have him.
What tactical contribution does Dembélé make?
I don’t think there’s much to add. He’s a different kind of player, he makes you want to see soccer. He’s a genius with the ball, he can change the course of a match. We’re delighted to have him back in our team.
Hakimi “It’s a role I want to take on”.
How will you approach the return leg after the 0-1 victory? The same way as the first leg? Is there any pressure?
I think it’s positive pressure. These are matches that everyone dreams of playing, so we have to use the pressure. Our style of play isn’t going to change. The coach has always told us that no matter what the score is, our style of play doesn’t change. That’s what we’ve shown. It’ll be the same tomorrow: we have to keep our personality with and without the ball. That’s the key to our team.
You’re one of the oldest players in the team. What’s your role at 26?
I’m a young player who’s experienced some great moments in my career. So I can help all the players, especially the young ones, by giving them my experience, calm and motivation. It’s a role I want to assume, setting an example on and off the pitch.
Hakimi “Luis Enrique brings me a level of play that I didn’t have and never imagined.”
Which coach has taken you the furthest?
To be honest, I’ve been lucky enough to have had some great coaches at club and international level. I’m very grateful to each and every one of them for helping me become who I am. I’ve learned to be a good person and a better player. Luis Enrique has given me a level of play that I didn’t have and never imagined. I’m more complete today. He’s given me the freedom I needed.
How do you recover between games? How are you physically today?
It’s something God gave me, this cardio and physical stamina. I also have help from a recuperator and a nutritionist, so I can play as many games as possible. There’s also the coach’s management, so I can be fresh for as many games as possible. I feel good and confident. I can’t wait for the game to start.
Favourite for the trophy for best African player in Ligue 1, are you as accomplished as you can be, or can you go even further in terms of performance?
I’m happy with my season, it’s one of my best. I’ve grown as a player and as a person, gaining in confidence and maturity. With the experience I’ve gained, I feel better.
But I can still improve and reach a higher level, that’s the goal. Individual trophies show that we’re doing things right, and that’s appreciated, but collective titles are the most important.
Hakimi “They deserve this joy too.”
A whole city is behind you, are you aware of that?
Yes, we’re all aware of the type of match we have tomorrow. We’ve got all this desire, and that’s a point in our favor. The stadium will be noisy, which will put pressure on Arsenal. And that support can help in difficult moments. Like against City, when we were able to turn things around. They deserve this joy too.
How is Dembélé doing?
I think he’s recovered well. He’s been training for the last two days and he’s feeling good. He’s very keen. Tomorrow, the coach will make the decision. If he doesn’t play, someone else will. He’ll even help us off the pitch.
Hakimi: “Even if Dembélé isn’t here, another player can play.
With some of the stars gone, do you now have a real collective?
The project that the president, Luis Campos, and the coach have put in place is to build a team rather than attract stars. I think that’s the key to this new PSG. You can feel that we’re all in it together. As in a match like this, even if Dembélé isn’t there, another player can play without worry, and that’s the strength of this team.
