The absence of Achraf Hakimi on the right side for PSG was noted, but Luis Enrique expressed frustration with the question after the Lens-PSG match.
As Achraf Hakimi departed to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco, the question arose: Is his absence already too much for PSG to handle? When asked about this by Prime Video journalist Thibault Le Rol, who simply acknowledged Hakimi as a very good player, Enrique responded with a touch of irritation: « Why? »
« And Kang-in Lee isn’t? Kimpembe, no? Nuno Mendes, no? And Skriniar, no? I don’t know why you’re asking me this question, » the Spaniard retorted, clearly agitated. « I am the coach, and I have the duty and responsibility to get the best out of my players, those that I have at my disposal. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world at his position and has played many good matches with us, but now he is playing with his national team. Why should I complain? I must be optimistic with the players who are here. »
To compensate, Luis Enrique did not call on Nordi Mukiele on the right side. Instead, Warren Zaïre Emery played as a full-back, a position where he seemed a bit lost, lacking familiarity…