It was a European Cup atmosphere on Wednesday evening when Aston Villa took to the Parc des Princes for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. Paris Saint-Germain were keen to confirm their rise to prominence and position themselves a little more as Champions League favourites, and it was after a largely dominated match that they came out on top against the English side, 3-1 (video highlights PSG/Aston Villa). Achraf Hakimi, defender for the club de la capitale, spoke to Canal + Sports about the evening’s victory:
What did you enjoy tonight?
Good evening, we’re happy. I think we did what we do all year. We have a great mentality and we run for each other. That’s what we showed today, and there’s still a game to go out there. Very happy for today’s victory.
Achraf Hakimi: “This team’s strength isn’t individuality, it’s the collective”
PSG are more collective?
I think it’s the continuity of the last year. Ever since the coach arrived, he’s been saying that we’re a team and that the strength of this team lies in everyone pulling together. We saw that last year and we’re continuing it this year.
Are there any magicians on this pitch?
Yes, that’s our strength – we’re all in it together. The strength of this team isn’t its individuals, it’s the strength of the collective.
