On Wednesday, during the second matchday of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) will face FC Barcelona (12th) at the Montjuïc Stadium (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, Paris Saint-Germain’s right-back, Achraf Hakimi (26), answered several questions at a press conference.
Hakimi: “I will continue to work hard; I hope to be in the top 30 again.”
A word about the Ballon d’Or rankings? Any disappointment?
No, not for me. It’s a pleasure to be among the 30 best players in the world. As for those who voted for me or not, I don’t think about that when I’m playing. I don’t think about individual awards, but rather about team success and enjoying the game. Ultimately, everyone makes their own choices. But I am happy and proud. I will continue to work hard; I hope to be in the top 30 again and perhaps even climb a few more places.
How are you feeling physically? You’ve played a lot of matches recently, and you’ve been playing while slightly injured?
I feel very good, both physically and mentally. I am well prepared for this type of match and for the entire season.
Hakimi: “He has everyone’s confidence.”
How is Chevalier doing after his mistake in Marseille?
He feels good, and he’s confident. He has everyone’s confidence. He made some saves, and he will make more tomorrow.
What can you bring to the match tomorrow as a fullback? Is the game going to be decided in midfield?
The midfield is important, that’s true. But, personally, I’m going to try to bring everything I usually bring to the table: my speed, my confidence, my experience, and my contribution to the team. Team performance is the most important thing.
Hakimi: “We have a strong squad; there are many players ready.”
Several key players are out; how does that change things for PSG?
It doesn’t change things that much, even though they are important players. We have a strong squad; there are many players ready. The coach will choose the best options. We are ready to win, to perform.
Barça is looking for revenge after the quarter-final two years ago; do you understand that for this match?
I have very good memories of playing here; we won last time. I hope we can win again tomorrow. Even though it’s a difficult match, against a team with great players, with a similar style to ours. But we are in good shape, we are on a good run. It will be a very exciting match to play and watch.
Hakimi: “If I have to play this many matches, I’ll sign up every day.”
You’re the only one who hasn’t been injured in the last 18 months; are you worried about that?
I’m not thinking about getting injured. When I step onto the pitch, I want to perform well and give my all. After that, I try to recover well and train properly. I have a team of people around me to help me stay in good physical and mental shape so I can play as much as possible and perform well. I feel good and I hope to continue like this, for both the club and the national team.
FIFPro believes the season has been too demanding; do you agree?
I don’t know. I know PSG played a lot because we reached the finals of all the competitions. If I have to play this many matches, I’ll sign up every day. It means we’re going to the final.
Do you feel that the governing bodies listen to the players?
I don’t know. I think we’re here to play, to entertain football fans. It’s true that being in good physical condition allows us to perform better and provide a better show. We had a lot of matches because we reached the finals of all the competitions. I’m ready to do it again.
Hakimi: “It will be important to have possession and not rush things.”
PSG and Barça are similar, but what are the differences?
I think there aren’t many differences. They are two teams that want to control the ball, that have the personality to do so, and that don’t like chasing after the ball. Tomorrow, I think the team with possession will be able to create more chances. It will be important to have possession and not rush things.
PSG will come to play an attacking style; will we have to show that from the start?
We’ve never changed our style of play, and that won’t happen for this match. We have our idea: to keep possession and press. That’s what the coach brought. We’re going to continue like this as long as he’s here.
Hakimi: “I think he’s going to have to play against the best left-back in the world.”
A special plan to stop Yamal?
I think he’s going to have to play against the best left-back in the world, Nuno Mendes. He can stop him; he’s done it before. Just like he’s done against other attackers. He’s very well prepared. Our strength also lies in how we support each other. We’ll make sure he doesn’t get into one-on-one situations; we know how good he is at dribbling.
Does this current Barcelona remind you of any other Barcelona team you’ve faced?
The one coached by Xavi two years ago was similar. There’s a continuity.
Two great teams, what kind of match do you expect and what will be the key to victory?
We have the same style; we want to control the game and possession of the ball. That will be the key. We can’t rush things. The team that is more precise will win. The details will make the difference. I hope we can win.
