Hakimi jokes with Regragui after PSG’s victory over Barcelona

Achraf Hakimi was playfully challenged by former Morocco manager Walid Regragui over his claims of fatigue and recent lack of goals after Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 Champions League win against Barcelona.

The result handed Barcelona their first defeat of the season, while Hakimi played a key role in PSG’s victory by setting up Fabian Ruiz for the fourth goal in the 86th minute.

The match also brought an injury setback for Paris Saint-Germain, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffering a cruciate ligament injury in his knee.

Regragui was working as a pundit on Canal+’s Canal Champions Club programme when Hakimi appeared for a post-match interview. The former Morocco coach initially praised the Paris Saint-Germain defender before turning the conversation into a series of light-hearted remarks.

Hakimi had spoken openly about feeling tired towards the end of the match and admitted he had been unable to take advantage of his opportunities in front of goal.

“I was tired at the end. It is true that I always try to give my best on the pitch, but I felt tired in the final minutes,” Hakimi said.

“I am very happy with the assist but, as I said, it has been a long time since I scored a goal. I had many chances to score, but the ball did not go into the net.”

According to African football website Africa Foot, Regragui joked: “He speaks French very well, and that is what I like about Achraf.”

He then turned to Hakimi’s comments about fatigue and asked with a smile: “You never feel tired, Achraf. Since when have you been feeling tired?”

Regragui also praised the assist that helped secure the Parisian side’s victory before returning to the subject of Hakimi’s scoring record.

“It has been a long time since you scored a goal, Achraf, hasn’t it?” he said.

Hakimi responded with a smile and welcomed the chance to speak to his former coach again.

“Good evening, coach. I am happy to hear from you,” he said.

Regragui keeps the exchange light

The exchange reflected the close relationship between the two men, who worked together with the Morocco national team for four years. During that period, Hakimi became one of the Atlas Lions’ most important players and wore the captain’s armband at stages of his international career.

Regragui ended the conversation in the same friendly mood, encouraging his former player before jokingly reminding Hakimi that he was still waiting for an invitation to dinner during the week.

Hakimi replied with a smile: “God willing, God willing.”

The moment highlighted the mutual affection between the pair despite the end of their time working together with Morocco.

Under new Morocco manager Mohamed Wahbi, Hakimi is preparing to face Niger in late November in the two qualifying matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.