On the eve of the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Chelsea this Tuesday (return leg on Tuesday, March 17), Le Parisien published a lengthy interview with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the 25-year-old Paris Saint-Germain striker. He discussed his move to Paris from Napoli just over a year ago, as well as the team’s level and ambitions, including the influence of coach Luis Enrique.
Kvaratskhelia said, “I realized that anything was possible.”
“When I arrived, the first match I watched was the victory against City. I thought to myself, ‘These guys are incredible, where am I going to play in this team?'” And when I saw them training, I realized that anything was possible.
Is it difficult to find the same motivation this season?
When you win something you’ve been chasing for a while, maybe you calm down a bit. But what’s great about PSG is that the coach, the staff, and the team motivate each other to win many more times.
Kvaratskhelia: “We know we can do it again.”
A good reason to believe Paris can win again?
I think the reason is that we are PSG, and this club is incredible. We know we can do it again because the players, the staff, the coaches, the owners—everyone is involved and wants to win.
Does the confidence come from Luis Enrique?
The main reason is, of course, him, because it’s very difficult to maintain the same motivation and the same hunger for victory within a team. But the coach is doing an incredible job, and everyone is giving their all. I can also… “To say that the players are happy together. We enjoy seeing each other, training, and playing together.”
It’s touching to see Kvaratskhelia’s humility. He was seen as an excellent signing for PSG from the moment he arrived, but he had doubts about his starting position. It must be said that he’s far from the only great player, and coach Luis Enrique doesn’t make promises to any one player. The team always comes first, and you have to earn your place in a strong squad. This squad was particularly impressive against Manchester City, in a match that was seen as a turning point towards the title.
Today, Paris has somewhat “lost” that magical energy, that “aura” of a team that was almost unstoppable. However, the doubts expressed by the media and some fans are exaggerated. PSG has no intention of giving up, and the players are eager to relive those great moments.
The entire club is pushing in this direction, while acknowledging the difficult circumstances given the lack of preseason training. Kvaratskhelia remains confident; he knows his squad and coach Luis Enrique. The enjoyment of working and playing together is still there, elements often emphasized by the Parisian coach and which should never be forgotten, even at the highest level. Let’s hope the Parisians rediscover their confidence this Wednesday to reignite a positive momentum. The talent and collective strengths are still there; it remains to be seen what that “little extra something” will be.
