On Saturday, during Matchday 5 of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (5th) will face Tottenham (10th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.
Kvaratskhelia: “We have to do everything we can to win.”
How important is it to react after the defeat against Bayern?
It was a difficult match against Bayern. I think the second half was good for us. We lost at home, and now we have a chance to bounce back. We have to do everything we can to win.
Is João Neves PSG’s top scorer this season?
He is one of the best players in the team right now. It’s not important who scores; we just want to win. It doesn’t matter who scores today or tomorrow.
What can you improve in your individual game?
I think there are many aspects I can work on. I’m doing it; I could score more, make more passes. Every day, I try to be the best version of myself.
Kvaratskhelia: “I realized that every player really has to contribute. You have to help the defense.”
Are defensive efforts natural? Does Luis Enrique encourage them? Do you enjoy defending?
I can say that before, I wasn’t really like that. I focused on attacking. But I realized that every player really has to contribute. You have to help the defense. I’ve improved, I’ve progressed in that area thanks to the coach. Anyway, I give everything on the pitch. I try to help in every aspect. Off the pitch too.
Did it take time to get going this season?
Of course, it was difficult. We had a long season with little rest. We came back, we won the European Super Cup. It was a big season, it was difficult to get back into shape physically. But now we’re fully ready and we’re showing it. I’m feeling great right now.
Kvaratskhelia: “Marquinhos is a true leader, a great person.”
What’s your take on Tottenham, who are going through a difficult period?
They’re playing very well, they have good counter-attacks and a good defense. We were down 2-0 in August. We managed to come back. It will be a difficult match. But we feel really good, ready.
Is overcoming a lack of consistency something you’re aiming for?
Being consistent is one of the hardest things, playing well to help the team.
A word on Marquinhos before his 500th match?
Marquinhos is a true leader, a great person. Every day, with every coach, he motivates us, he talks to us.
Kvaratskhelia: “They can be among the best in the future.”
A word on Hakimi? How will you compensate for his absence?
It’s difficult to replace him. He’s one of the best players right now. He deserves the African Player of the Year award. It’s complicated to replace him. The coach is preparing solutions without him. We hope he’ll be back soon. He’s a fabulous player, a wonderful person.
What do you like about the youth academy players?
They’re incredible. They work very hard. Sometimes, you don’t even realize they’re 16 or 17 years old. They’re still working after training; they want to learn. When they come with us, you can’t tell they’re academy players. They can be among the best in the future. They’re great guys.
Kvaratskhelia: “He’s going to show that he deserves to be on the pitch.” “
Has Kolo Muani not had the expected impact at Spurs so far?
We know he’s a very good player, he’s dangerous. He’ll show that he deserves to be on the pitch. It’s a great opportunity for him tomorrow. We’ll have to be careful tomorrow to limit his influence.
What have you learned about French football since arriving in Paris?
French football, some say it’s easy, but it’s very complicated. It’s fast-paced, tough. Everyone wants to beat us, there’s nothing easy about it. The level is easily in the top 5.
Kvaratskhelia: “I hope to be able to play on both the right and left wings soon.”
A similarity to Edinson Cavani in terms of fighting spirit, is that innate or something you develop?
As I said earlier, I wasn’t like that before.” I was more focused on attacking and not defending. But I realized that defending is really important for the team. I give my all to contribute in every aspect. I can still improve. But I will always give 100%. I know I gave everything at the end of the match.
Do you have a preferred position? Do you like to switch?
For me, everyone knows I like playing on the left. But, as I said, in football you have to be able to play. It’s good to be able to switch sides and play the same way. It’s not always easy; I’ve played a lot on the left. I hope to be able to play on both the right and the left soon.
