Barcelona are preparing for one of their biggest weeks in the early stages of the season, with back-to-back encounters against PSG and Real Madrid.
The game against the French giants is particularly exciting because it allows Barça to test themselves against the reigning European champions.
PSG defender Achraf Hakimi has now expressed his excitement about facing the Catalan giants, acknowledging them as one of the best teams in the world at the moment.
Hakimi praises Barcelona ahead of the showdown
Speaking ahead of the match, as quoted by FCB World, the Morocco defender insisted that PSG would have to prepare just as they did for the Manchester City game.
“What can I tell you? It will be a great match for us, and for the fans as well,” Hakimi said.
“It will be a beautiful and special encounter against one of the best teams in the world right now, as you mentioned.”
Hakimi is looking forward to playing against Barcelona. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
The defender also emphasised the importance of preparation, drawing comparisons with his team’s approach against Manchester City.
“The truth is that we need to prepare for it properly, exactly as we did against Manchester City.”
He concluded by making it clear that his team would not be satisfied simply with competing against Barcelona.
“The most important thing is that we give our best, just as we did last time, so that we can secure all three points.”
Barcelona’s reputation is growing across Europe
Hakimi’s comments underline the respect Barcelona have earned through their recent performances.
Under Hansi Flick, the Catalans have developed an aggressive, attack-minded identity built around intense pressing, quick combinations and a willingness to commit players forward.
That approach has made Barcelona particularly difficult to contain when their attacking players find space between defensive lines.
Barcelona will hope to put on a show at Paris. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images)
However, if there is one team capable of beating them at their own game, it has to be Luis Enrique’s PSG.
Flick must prepare for a dangerous challenge
For Barcelona, the biggest concern will be managing the spaces left behind their extremely high defensive line.
Hakimi’s pace and ability to attack from wide positions could become particularly dangerous if Barcelona lose possession while pushing numbers forward.
Flick’s side must therefore maintain their pressing intensity while ensuring their defensive positioning remains disciplined.
Flick and Barcelona will know that the entire world will be watching, using the PSG game as a yardstick to measure just how good the Catalans are.
It remains to be seen whether Lamine Yamal and his teammates can go to Paris and put on a show against the reigning champions.