On Tuesday, in the first leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League semi-final (the second leg is on May 6), Paris Saint-Germain will face Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (25 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.
Kvaratskhelia: “If I feel this good, it’s thanks to the team.”
Have you ever felt this strong individually? How do you explain it?
I feel very good physically. This is a very important match coming up. If I feel this good, it’s thanks to the team. We’ve done some important things. I’m one of them.
How can PSG be in such good form this year?
It’s been difficult, we’ve had a lot of matches. We were tired at the beginning of the season. But now we’re really good. Maybe better than last season. We have to give it our all, there are only a few matches left and we have to play them in the best way possible.
Kvaratskhelia: “We’ve also shown that we can do it.”
Is this a final before the final against a team that beat you this season?
I remember the match, we weren’t as good, we had injured players. We’ve also shown that we can do it. These are two of the best teams facing off. The match will be very important for both teams.
How do you explain your level in the Champions League? Can you talk about your classic goal?
I think I work a lot. Then, it depends on the matches, the opponents. I try to create that danger, to work on it. With the national team too. It’s always something I can improve.
Kvaratskhelia: “He makes things easier for me.”
You’re the embodiment of a PSG on a big night, does the Champions League excite you? Are you the designated penalty taker in Paris now?
We have many players who are capable of taking penalties, I’m one of them. But we haven’t decided yet. We’ll see tomorrow (smiles). When you have players like we have, you have to play and give everything. It doesn’t matter if I don’t score, I want to give 100%.
Do you have a special preparation against Neuer, a specific strength to bring to the game?
It’s very difficult, he’s one of the best in the world. He’s a legend. We don’t know what strength to bring, but we’ve already scored against him and we have to do the same. We know what he’s capable of, with his footwork. But we’re going to try to score. There isn’t a specific training session.
Are you working on your connection with Dembélé?
With Dembélé, there isn’t much to work on. When you have him in the team, it’s a real pleasure. He can do everything on the pitch, create chances. He makes things easier for me. He’s won the Ballon d’Or and can win it several more times.
Kvaratskhelia: “We have a special relationship, I’m proud to be here. It’s like a family.”
A word about Barcola and Doué?
I think our relationship is incredible, not just in attack. We’re happy to see each other. No player ever arrives looking sad. Everyone smiles. That’s the main reason we’re in such good physical shape, at this level. We have a special relationship, I’m proud to be here. It’s like a family.
How have you progressed at PSG? Did your experience in Naples help you adapt quickly to Paris?
Technically, I was also good in Naples. But I’ve improved a lot defensively under Luis Enrique. He really pushed me. We have to defend like defenders. We have great training sessions to work on the team, shooting, but especially defense for me.
How have you improved your efficiency? A word about your nickname, Kvaradona?
I really like it, of course. When I played in Naples, they used to call me that. It’s a pleasure to be compared to one of the best. Every family in Naples has pictures of him. I’m very proud. It was also difficult to be compared to him, because you have to prove you can live up to that nickname. I’m very happy.
Kvaratskhelia: “I want to enjoy myself on the pitch with my teammates.”
Will Vitinha be ready?
He feels good, he’s been training. I think he’s ready for tomorrow.
You’re one of the last representatives of entertaining football, is that important to you too?
I think I play football because I love the sport. I always try to do my best. Football has changed, it’s important to be able to contribute something positive as well. I’m proud to be able to do that. I want to enjoy myself on the pitch with my teammates.
