On Tuesday, in the second leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League quarter-final (2-0 in the first leg), Paris Saint-Germain will face Liverpool at Anfield (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG’s right-back Achraf Hakimi (27 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.
Hakimi: “Liverpool will be ready to give everything, and we have to be too.”
A year ago, you were one goal behind and considered the underdog. What’s the difference in the group with the lead and the status of favorite?
I don’t think there are any favorites. We’ve already seen that a two-goal deficit can lead to a comeback. The mindset is positive, with a lot of confidence. It will be a very important match for us; we’ll be very focused. We’ll pay attention to every detail. Liverpool will be ready to give everything, and we have to be too.
Is PSG stronger than last season?
The difference is that the team is full of confidence. We know our path from last season; we’re the reigning champions. That gives us confidence to move forward and manage this type of match.
Were you impressed by the atmosphere at Anfield? Does being familiar with the place help to demystify it?
We know the atmosphere will be incredible. We know their fans, but also ours. They’ll be supporting us every step of the way. We know what it was like, and that gives us confidence. We’ll be focused on every detail.
Hakimi: “I’m focusing on what’s next and leaving it in the hands of my lawyers and the justice system.”
What’s your opinion on the decision in the rape case? A possible decision regarding your career?
I know the accusation is false. I’m calm. I’m focusing on what’s next and leaving it in the hands of my lawyers and the justice system.
Does this season seem endless? Is it more difficult physically or mentally?
It’s true that we’ve played a lot of matches since last year. We had to start quickly. But it’s a pleasure to see competitions through to the end. It was also a special season with the Africa Cup of Nations and my injury. It was mentally exhausting; I worked hard to be in shape. It didn’t end in the best way, but I had to keep going with Paris. With the support of the coach, my teammates, and those around me, I was able to get back to my best physically and mentally, which is the most important thing.
Hakimi: “It’s really great to have a coach with this vision.”
Did Luis Enrique change your career?
I don’t know, but it’s true that his arrival greatly changed my perspective on football, like Nuno Mendes. We were full-backs on the wing, and Luis Enrique showed us a different role. He changed our minds. It’s really great to have a coach with this vision. We also see it in our performances; he helps us raise our level.
How do you experience your leadership role now? Is it different from your beginnings at PSG?
With the experience I have in my career and at the club, I try to help my teammates. I try to pass on the messages from Luis Enrique and Marquinhos, who is our captain. I want to instill confidence and the importance of giving everything for the club.
Are you getting stronger physically? Are you at 100%?
It hasn’t been an easy season, especially with the injury. I wanted to come back as quickly as possible for the Africa Cup of Nations, I put in a lot of effort. But now I feel good, I’m 100% focused. I’m raising my level with every match and I’m very happy with my current form.
Hakimi: “It’s a pleasure to celebrate titles and we hope to continue.”
How do you stay focused when Europe is afraid of you? How do you avoid feeling overconfident?
We don’t think we’re superior. The most important thing is to enjoy ourselves and work towards our goals. It’s a pleasure to celebrate titles and we hope to continue. We want to be able to enjoy ourselves again, to celebrate again. So we’re continuing to perform.
Three matches before the final, are you talking about it?
You know the answer, but we’re staying focused. The team is talking about how this is the key moment, that we have to give everything in every match and every training session. We can still achieve great things.
