Achraf Hakimi has been a fixture in PSG’s lineup since joining in 2021 and brings qualities that few defenders in the world can match right now.
The Moroccan international, who previously played under Antonio Conte at Inter Milan and Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid recently lauded current PSG boss Luis Enrique, who he thinks, ranks among the very best managers he has worked with.
Speaking to Bertrand Latour on Canal+ [via Le 10 sport], Hakimi did not hesitate when comparing coaches from his career. “Is Luis Enrique the best coach I’ve had since the beginning of my career? I think he’s one of the best,” he said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be with great coaches: Antonio Conte at Inter, Zinedine Zidane at Madrid, and Herve Renard, who gave me the opportunity to play for Morocco.”
Achraf Hakimi credits Luis Enrique for evolution
Hakimi explained that Enrique’s strength lies in his communication and empathy.
“He stays close to the players, he communicates a lot. He tries to understand the human side of the players,” the right-back said.
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“Before, I didn’t play inside, but now, with him, he has made me evolve as a player, he makes me play in different positions. It’s something I learned thanks to him.”
Enrique’s influence has coincided with one of PSG’s most successful seasons where they won 13th Ligue 1 title, a sixth consecutive Trophee des Champions and a 16th Coupe de France, before they finally claimed the UEFA Champions League on May 31, fulfilling a long-held ambition since Qatar Sports Investments took control in 2011.
The campaign ended with a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
