“11 Attackers, 11 Defenders”: Hakimi Highlights PSG’s Transformation Under Luis Enrique

Achraf Hakimi's lifted the lid on the transformation inside the Paris Saint Germain dressing room, following their 1 - 0 win over Arsenal in the Champions League semi final 1st leg at the Emirates Stadium.

The Moroccan full back, one of the few remaining figures from the Messi-Neymar-Mbappe era, highlighted major shift in mentality and cohesion under Luis Enrique praising the collective effort and family like spirit that now defines the team.

“We’re more united now , Everyone runs for each other , whether playing or not. That’s the biggest change , Before we'd big stars but it was different. Now we play like real team 11 attackers & 11 defenders” Hakimi said post match.

Hakimi’s comments are widely seen as subtle swipe at past PSG squads built around individual brilliance rather than unity.

He credited the coach’s philosophy and the hard work of forwards like Ousmane Dembele, Goncalo Ramos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue for inspiring the defensive line to match their intensity.

Despite the win, Hakimi warned:

“It’s just halftime. We’ve done good job but the real battle is in Paris”

The defender has had standout season contributing 6 goal and 14 assist across all competitions.

PSG host Arsenal in the return leg next week at the Parc des Princes with champions league final spot within touching distance for the new look, unified Parisians.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.