Hakimi Fires Warning Ahead of Barça Clash: “Lamine Will Face the Best Left-Back in the World”
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has cranked up the anticipation ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League showdown with Barcelona, boldly declaring that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal will have no easy task against teammate Nuno Mendes.
“Lamine will face the best left-back in the world, who is Nuno Mendes. He has already shown that he is capable of stopping him,” Hakimi told reporters, throwing his full support behind the Portuguese full-back.
The Moroccan star radiated confidence in PSG’s preparations, despite the French side arriving at the Camp Nou with several notable absentees.
“The group is doing well, motivated. We are very well and we will be in our best form. We won’t stay behind—we’ve come to Barcelona to take the three points.”
Hakimi stressed that PSG will remain faithful to their style of play, no matter the opponent:
“We’ve never changed our playing style and we’ve played against many different teams. We’re going to keep our philosophy, that’s what the coach asks of us, and we’ll continue as long as the coach is there.”
On the issue of missing stars, Hakimi brushed aside concerns, insisting PSG’s squad depth gives them every chance to win:
“This doesn’t change much even if they are important players. We have a strong squad to beat Barça. The coach will choose the players who will play, and we will be ready.”
PSG’s right-back also underlined the team’s sharp mindset heading into the game:
“I think the team is in good shape, motivated, and eager for the match to start. We’ll get a feel for things in training to arrive strong for tomorrow’s game.”
With Barcelona banking on Yamal’s fearless brilliance and PSG relying on the Mendes-Hakimi defensive axis, tomorrow’s clash is shaping up to be a battle of youth versus experience, flair versus discipline.
