Hakimi Praises Luis Enrique's Impact on His and Mendes' Development
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has hailed manager Luis Enrique for transforming his role and that of teammate Nuno Mendes, attributing a significant evolution in their playing style to the Spanish coach's philosophy. The Moroccan international made the comments ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona, highlighting the manager's influence on his career. According to Hakimi, Luis Enrique has introduced a new tactical perspective on the full-back role, which has elevated the performances of the PSG backline.
Speaking at a press conference in England, Hakimi elaborated on the manager's impact. "I don't know if he changed my career, but Luis Enrique's arrival has changed the football world's perspective on me personally and also on Nuno," Hakimi stated. He explained that under previous systems, the full-backs were more traditional, but Enrique has shown "another way to be a full-back." Hakimi expressed his satisfaction with this development, noting that the improvement is evident in the performances of both himself and Mendes.
Hakimi, who joined PSG from Inter Milan in 2021, has been a mainstay in the team, but his role has evolved under the current manager. The 25-year-old, who has also been in the spotlight for off-field matters, briefly addressed the ongoing legal proceedings against him, stating his innocence regarding the serious allegations he faces. He said, "I know this accusation is false. I feel calm. I leave this in the hands of my lawyers and the justice system." The Moroccan international is currently under judicial control in France as part of a separate, high-profile legal case.
Luis Enrique took charge of Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023 and has since implemented a distinctive, possession-based style of play. His system demands a high level of tactical intelligence and technical ability from his full-backs, requiring them to contribute significantly in both defensive and offensive phases. Hakimi's comments suggest the system has unlocked a new dimension in his and Mendes's games, transforming them from traditional wide defenders into more complete, tactically fluid players. This evolution is considered crucial for PSG's ambitions both in Ligue 1 and in their quest for a first UEFA Champions League title.
The tactical shift has been a key component of PSG's domestic success this season and their deep run in Europe. As the club prepares for a crucial period in the season, the form and tactical understanding of Hakimi and Mendes will be vital. Their development under Luis Enrique is seen as a microcosm of the team's broader adaptation to the coach's philosophy, which aims to blend the team's individual talents into a more cohesive, dominant unit. The manager's impact on the squad's tactical flexibility and the players' development is becoming increasingly evident as the season reaches its climax.
