This Wednesday at 9 p.m. (CET), Paris Saint-Germain (6th) faces Newcastle (7th) at the Parc des Princes for Matchday 8 of the 2025-2026 Champions League. In a press conference, English forward Anthony Gordon (24 years old) spoke about the upcoming match and PSG’s opponent, particularly PSG’s right-back Achraf Hakimi (27 years old).
Gordon: “He’s simply the best.”
A special moment to experience in the Champions League?
“I love the Champions League; I think it reveals the potential of players,” the English winger told reporters before the match. “It’s the biggest competition in the world; for me, it’s the best. Every player dreams of playing in this competition, so I’d be lying if I said it didn’t motivate me and give me an extra adrenaline rush.”
We’re facing the European champions, like tomorrow; we’re playing against the best players, the best coaches, the travel… it’s simply the pinnacle.
Gordon: “I also play against right-backs who are themselves excellent players.”
Why have you scored more goals in the Champions League than in the Premier League?
Unfortunately, I don’t have an answer for you.
That’s just how it is. I try to apply the same strategy in both matches and always make the right choices; it’s just that, in this context, we’re playing in the Champions League.
I think perception can sometimes distort reality a bit. I believe the expectations placed on me have increased – and that’s normal, I accept it completely – but I know I’m doing what I need to do every day. Whether I’m in top form or not, I simply try to give my best.
The result doesn’t always depend on me. I also play against right-backs who are themselves excellent players. So I know a lot is expected of me, but they are also very good players, and they are well paid to contain me.
Gordon: “We put in an incredible performance.”
Any thoughts on the matches two years ago, with the 4-1 victory and the 1-1 draw?
The first match was one of the best I’ve ever played in, whether in terms of the atmosphere, the adrenaline, or what I felt at the time. It was truly exceptional; our pressing, our early goal, and then we just kept getting stronger.
It was a magical night for all of Newcastle. I remember the general joy – fans, players, staff – after the match. The second match was more frustrating. We put in an incredible performance, which I was very proud of at the time, but to end it like that was tough.
“He’s one of the best I’ve faced.”
A word about Hakimi, your potential direct opponent?
He’s one of the best I’ve faced. We always try to do the right thing, regardless of the competition. It’s difficult to focus on the competition because the matches come thick and fast; we just try to do things properly. That’s what I try to do individually as well. We give our best, that’s all we can do as a team.
