“We had to come back stronger”- MOTM Achraf Hakimi on PSG’s victory over Seattle Sounders

Paris Saint-Germain right back Achraf Hakimi was once again in fine form on Monday with a goal as PSG secured top spot in Group B and qualified for the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Hakimi, awarded Man of the Match, spoke to DAZN after Monday’s 2-0 victory over Seattle Sounders to conclude their group stage fixtures.

“We are really happy for the victory we deserve. After the last game, against Botafogo, we didn’t play very good and we lose so we had to come back more strong and today we saw that and we want to continue in the competition,” Hakimi said after the victory.

Hakimi reflected on the joy he gets from playing with the team: “It’s a pleasure, it’s a pleasure to play with these players and this team. We help each other…we try to find the best players in the best condition and that is what I love is to play with these kinds of guys…it’s a pleasure.”

Expanding on how much he enjoys playing with this PSG group, the Moroccan spoke more about his goal and gave plenty of credit to his teammates.

“That’s what we do. Also, it’s not only the counter-attack, it’s also the effort that Warren (Zaire-Emery) did to defend there. Because it was 1-0 and if it was not there they can score against us. So he made a good tackle.”

Now that a place in the Round of 16 is settled for the European champions, Hakimi and his teammates are focusing on improving their level as the challenge increases in the knockout stages:

“Just prepare. Be ready for everything. It’s too hot here so we have to recover very well. I think we have one week until the next game and be ready for that because after it is the knockout if you don’t win you go home.”

Hakimi’s brilliant 2024-25 season (10 goals and 12 assists in 51 appearances from all competitions), combined with his strong performance on Monday, saw the Moroccan draw universal praise in DAZN’s studio post-match analysis.

“He’s played at Dortmund, he’s played at Inter Milan, he’s played for Real Madrid of course. Now he’s at Paris…he’s the finished article now, isn’t he?” said former Real Madrid and England national team attacker Steve McManaman. “For a full back you don’t see many leaders out there… he’s a leader,” said current Atlanta United defender Derrick Williams.

PSG will face the runners-up from Group A in the Round of 16, set for June 29 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Their opponent will be decided later on Monday when Group A concludes which includes Brazil’s Palmeiras, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami from Major League Soccer, Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Portugal’s FC Porto.

PSG 2-0 Seattle Sounders: Extended Highlights