Achraf Hakimi, the 26-year-old right-back for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco, spoke to PSG TV. He shared his thoughts on last season’s Champions League victory, his current status, his objectives for the future, and the upcoming match against Bayern Munich this Tuesday (Matchday 4) at the Parc des Princes at 9 p.m CET.
Hakimi: “I’m happy to have made history and to be able to continue doing so at this club.”
What are your feelings after the Champions League victory?
I think it’s primarily about liberation. You’re freeing yourself from something you wanted to achieve, at a club that has never won the Champions League. Being the first in history is a huge satisfaction. The truth is, I’m 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 for Paris, one of my goals was to make history and write my own chapter at 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 also a source of pride to represent Morocco?
As you say, representing not only Paris Saint-Germain, but also Morocco, and being a player who represents all of that in a Champions League final, isn’t easy. Being one of the great players who has won the Champions League is a source of pride, and raising the flag with a trophy is so important in football. It makes me proud, and above all, it makes Moroccans proud of me.
How do I repay that support?
I try to give my best, to give them and feel the affection of all Moroccans, because it gives me a lot of strength. I try to give them the strength they give me, to transmit it on the pitch, 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 role model for young people. But when I achieved my dream and became who I am, I knew I had a responsibility. Children look up to me, and I have to set an example and make them proud of their Moroccan player in every aspect. And give them the strength to pursue their dreams, which can come true if they fight and work hard. It’s about support.
Being named African Player of the Year, is that just another dream? Another goal?
It’s true that it’s not something I’ve always had in mind, but now that you have the chance to win, it’s a dream. I work hard to achieve both team and individual goals. Thank God, I’m now among the candidates who can win it.
I think that after my season, I’m among those who deserve it, and I’m happy to be one of the favorites. This gives me even more strength to keep going, to make the sacrifices to stay on the roster.
Hakimi: “I’ve taken on more responsibility.”
A turning point this season, thanks to hard work?
I think it’s true that I’ve worked a lot off the pitch and especially on it. I’ve taken on more responsibility, I’m more comfortable with my teammates, with the club, with my coach, and that translates into my matches.
Actually, my teammates help me a lot, and ultimately, when we understand each other better, everything gets better and better. I also try to take care of myself so I’m ready for every match, especially the important ones, where I like to show what kind of player I am. The truth is, I’ve matured a lot in recent years, and I hope to continue maturing and growing as a player and, above all, as a person.
Hakimi: “There aren’t many teams that have won two times in a row, so it’s a motivating challenge.”
Is it easier or harder to start the season as the reigning champion?
I wouldn’t say it’s easy or hard. It’s a kind of responsibility, and it’s something that gives you strength to defend a title knowing that we are the champions. It’s a challenge for us to prove that we were the champions and that we are.
There aren’t many teams that have won two times in a row, so it’s a motivating challenge that should give us strength. We know the road was difficult last year, but if we’re together and we 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 some changes. But I think today the team is pretty much the same as last year, with few changes. I think the team, the confidence we have in ourselves, is incredible. With each match, we’re improving, we feel more comfortable. I think we’ve shown that in every match, and we expect to see better performances from us.
PSG/Bayern, a match everyone loves?
Yes, it is. These are the kinds of matches that are enjoyable to play, that you want to prepare for physically and mentally. It’s the Champions League, on our home ground, with our fans. These are moments you have to prepare for and savor.
It will be a difficult match. We’re facing a team in very good form; we’ve played them before, and they’re a very strong team. But I think we’re also in very good form, and for those who will be playing, it will be a great match. But also for those who will be watching and who love football, it will be incredible.
Hakimi: “We’re in a good run of form.”
Confidence in the face of this challenge?
As I said, we’ve started well, we feel good, confident, and little by little, we need to focus on each match. We know that the Champions League changes very quickly, on small details, but I think we’re in a good run of form, with a good mindset, and we’re going to continue like this.
