Achraf Hakimi, the 27-year-old right-back for Paris Saint-Germain, spoke to Sky Sport on Wednesday during Media Day to discuss the 2025-2026 Champions League final against Arsenal on Saturday, May 30.
Hakimi: “I’m still a little bit short of being with the team.”
How are you feeling?
Better, much better. I’m still a little bit short of being with the team, but I feel much better.
What does this second final mean to you?
It’s great to be in the final again. It hasn’t been an easy road for us. We’re very proud to be in the final again. We’ll have to stay very focused because Arsenal is a very difficult opponent.
Hakimi: “We’re a family, everyone runs for each other.”
What does Luis Enrique bring to the team? Is he key?
Yes, he changed everything at PSG. Since he arrived three years ago, the whole team, the whole club, has changed its mentality. Now, we’re a team where everyone plays for each other. We’re a family; everyone runs for each other. That’s the most important thing. When you’re a team that does everything together, everything is easier. All the players who play have the same mentality. That’s the key to this PSG.
What’s it like training with this group?
I’m lucky to be on this team, with this coach, at this club. I’m a lucky player. The coach has brought things to me; he’s changed my mentality. I’m in a different role than I’m used to; he’s changed me as a player and as a person.
Hakimi: “He immediately became part of our family.”
Does Kvaratskhelia deserve his nickname Kvaradonna?
He had incredible years in Naples, and now he’s super important for us. He became part of our family immediately, he brings so much to the table, and we are so happy to have him. We are delighted he is here and we hope he continues on this path.
