Regragui jokes with Hakimi after PSG’s Champions League win over Barcelona

Walid Regragui teased Achraf Hakimi during a light-hearted post-match exchange after Paris Saint-Germain beat FC Barcelona 4-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The result handed Barcelona their first defeat of the season, although the match was overshadowed by a serious injury to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Hakimi played a part in PSG’s impressive victory, setting up Fabian Ruiz to score in the 86th minute. Regragui, appearing as a consultant on Canal+, was quick to congratulate the Paris St-Germain full-back when he saw him being interviewed after the game.

The Morocco manager began by praising Hakimi’s French before turning to a comment the player had made about feeling tired.

“He speaks French well, that’s what I like about Achraf,” Regragui said.

He then asked, with a smile: “You’re never tired, are you, Achraf? Since when have you been tired?”

After acknowledging Hakimi’s assist, Regragui moved on to another subject: the defender’s recent difficulty in scoring.

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

The exchange reflected the close relationship developed by the pair during four years working together with Morocco. Regragui coached Hakimi with the Atlas Lions, where the right-back was a senior figure for a long period and later served as captain.

The interview ended in the same relaxed mood. Before allowing Hakimi to continue, Regragui encouraged him and jokingly reminded his former player that he was expecting an invitation to eat during the week.

“Inchallah, Inchallah,” Hakimi replied with a smile.

Hakimi now works under Morocco’s new manager, Mohamed Ouahbi. The full-back is due to face Niger at the end of November in a two-match tie counting towards qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Regragui’s comments came after a notable contribution from Hakimi in a high-profile Champions League victory, with PSG becoming the first team to defeat Barcelona this season.