In a recent interview with Telefoot (via Culture PSG), Borussia Dortmund right-back Achraf Hakimi discussed the way the squad is approaching the return leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
The 21-year-old is hoping that the entire team can replicate their 2-1 victory from last month, where both teams were sound defensively, but two goals from Erling Haaland was the difference.
However, aside from Dortmund giving the ball to Haaland and hoping he scores, there is a game plan for the German club heading into Paris Wednesday night.
“We will have to redo the same match as in the first leg. It will be more difficult than at home, but we must defend together, fight for each other, and at the slightest opportunity, score right away,” Hakimi said. “It’s the key to qualifying for the next round.”
Auteur d'une grosse saison à Dortmund, Achraf Hakimi est revenu au micro de @Yassin_YN sur la double confrontation face au PSG, à trois jours du match retour décisif https://t.co/S0zviaadRb
— Téléfoot (@telefoot_TF1) March 8, 2020
Having the Ultras at the Parc des Princes allows for PSG to have a home-field advantage that not many other clubs have. It turns the stadium into a fortress, which is what Hakimi understands.
However, with the coronavirus affecting many football matches across Europe, it’s forcing some clubs to play behind close doors. This includes the UEFA Champions League return leg between Valencia CF and Atalanta BC and as of Monday morning, Paris Saint-Germain’s match against Dortmund.
Not having the most passionate supporters in the stadium will be a significant blow to PSG and quite frankly, puts the capital club at a disadvantage in the tournament.
Back to Hakimi, the Morocco international knows that they’ll need to keep Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé quiet once again to move on to the quarter-finals.
“Of course, we fear them, because they are players who like this kind of match. They are prepared for it,” Hakimi said. “But know that on our side, we are going to do our best so that they do not make a big match.”
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
