Hakimi's Struggles with Adaptation at PSG
Achraf Hakimi, the talented right-back for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), recently shared his insights about the significant changes that Lionel Messi's arrival brought to the team dynamics and his personal playing style. In a candid conversation on the podcast 'The Bridge,' Hakimi confessed that he found it challenging to enjoy his time on the field alongside Messi, stating, “I didn’t enjoy it, nor did I feel important.” This sentiment highlights the pressure and expectations that can accompany the presence of a superstar like Messi, which can sometimes overshadow a player’s own contributions and confidence.
Hakimi elaborated on how this pressure impacted his game, expressing that he felt restrained and hesitant to showcase his attacking abilities. “I didn’t dare to do the things I love, like attacking. I felt like a little player,” he noted. This feeling of insignificance can be detrimental to a player's performance, as confidence is essential for success at the highest levels of competition.
Adapting to New Challenges at PSG
Reflecting on his transition from Inter Milan to PSG, Hakimi described his first year in Paris as particularly difficult. He mentioned that he had to adjust to a different style of play, especially after Messi joined the team, which altered the team’s dynamics. “My first year in Paris was tough. Coming from Inter, I was a different kind of full-back. Messi arrived later, and the project changed. We didn’t know he was coming, and the style of play shifted,” he explained. This shift not only affected Hakimi but also the overall functioning of the team as they adapted to integrating a player of Messi's caliber.
Hakimi also reflected on the criticism he faced during this adaptation period. He recalled how fans questioned his performances, asking, “Why does he play this way for Morocco and not here?” He emphasized that many people fail to understand the complexities of adapting to a new environment and that such transitions take time. This insight sheds light on the challenges athletes face when adjusting to new teammates and systems, particularly in high-stakes environments like PSG.
In the same interview, teammate Kylian Mbappé spoke about the importance of integrating Hakimi into the squad. He recalled how manager Mauricio Pochettino encouraged him to help Hakimi feel comfortable, highlighting the camaraderie and support within the team. “Pochettino told me, ‘Look, Hakimi is your age, you two will get along well. Try to integrate him into the team.’ I responded, ‘Yes, I will,’ and I reached out to him,” Mbappé concluded, illustrating the collaborative spirit that can aid in overcoming personal and professional challenges on the field.
As reported by tn.com.ar.
