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Meknes – Ahead of the Champions League final, the Morocco international emphasized that he is viewing the high stakes of the match as a motivating force rather than a pressure.
Achraf Hakimi pledged to enter the Champions League final against Arsenal fully focused and motivated rather than weighed down by pressure.
The highly anticipated game is scheduled for this Saturday, at Budapest’s Puskás Arena, featuring UEFA’s new, earlier kick-off time of 17:00 Moroccan time.
Speaking in an interview with UEFA ahead of the match, the 27-year-old defender noted that the respect he receives from others helps him stay calm. Instead of adding pressure, this recognition gives him the confidence needed to handle the biggest matches.
“It’s not pressure, it’s a responsibility and above all, a motivation,” Hakimi said.
“knowing that people respect you gives you extra drive to know how to manage the game and how to approach these kinds of matches, it’s an encouragement”
Beyond the tactics and the pressure, achieving European glory with Paris Saint-Germain has long been a personal goal for the defender, as he made it clear that lifting the trophy would fulfill a career-long ambition. “I dreamt of winning the UCL with Paris and being part of their history”
“I dreamt of winning the UCL with Paris and being part of their history. When we won the first of our club, fans and everyone, we felt relieved and it took a weight off our shoulders,” the PSG defender added.
Having reached this stage before, Hakimi wants to balance his focus with appreciation for the occasion, emphasizing the importance of living the moment on Europe’s biggest stage.
“Now, it’s time to enjoy the process as well as this competition’s final once again,” the Moroccan defender concluded.
The final brings together the champions of France and England, as both teams won their domestic leagues this season. With Paris Saint-Germain also looking to defend their European crown, the stage is set for a significant clash.
