Achraf Hakimi has commended Paris Saint-Germain’s evolution into a more cohesive, team-oriented side as the French champions prepare to host Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Parc des Princes.
PSG take a slender 1-0 advantage into Wednesday’s encounter, having edged the Gunners in the first leg in London.
Under manager Luis Enrique, the Ligue 1 leaders have adopted a more collective approach, which Hakimi believes has been pivotal to their progress in Europe this season.
The Moroccan international credited the club’s shift in philosophy to strategic decisions made at the top level.
“The project, from the president, the sporting director, Luis Campos, and the coach, since he came here two years ago, they tried to build a team more than star players,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday.
Having moved on from star names like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar Jr, Hakimi noted that the current squad’s strength lies in its unity and depth.
“The collective is more important than individuality. I feel like all together, we are stronger.”
With Arsenal expected to come out attacking in a bid to overturn the deficit, Hakimi insisted that PSG will not abandon their principles.
“I don’t think our style of play will change. The coach has always sent a clear message which is that whether we are winning or losing, our style will never change.”
He added that the pressure of such a high-stakes tie is a motivating factor rather than a burden.
“These are games that every player and child dreams of being involved and we have to channel that in the right way.”
PSG are bidding for their second Champions League final appearance in five years.
