Achraf, back in the Champions League! Is it easier or harder to start the season with the European title under your belt?
"I wouldn't say it's easy or difficult. It's more of a responsibility, and knowing that we are champions gives us the strength to defend the title. It's also a challenge to always prove ourselves, and few teams have won the Champions League twice in a row. So it's a challenge for us, it motivates us and should give us strength, especially remembering last year's campaign, which wasn't easy. If we stay united and work together, we can do it again. Winning the trophy last season was a feeling of liberation. We freed ourselves from something we absolutely wanted to achieve, especially in a club that had never won the Champions League. Being the first to do so is extremely rewarding, and I'm really happy to have made history and to be able to continue doing so at this club."
"We know that small details can make all the difference in the Champions League, we've started well and we're going to keep it up."
The team has not had the same start to the competition as last year...
"Yes, last year was a bit trickier! We didn't get off to the best start. There have been a few changes since then, but I think the team is largely the same as last year, with two or three new signings. I think we have incredible confidence in ourselves, we're improving and we're feeling more and more comfortable with every game. We understand each other very well. I think we've shown that in every match, and with every game, we'll continue to improve, and you'll see even better performances from us. We've started well, we feel good and we're confident. Step by step, we have to focus on each game. We know that small details can make all the difference in the Champions League, we've started well and we're going to keep it up."
A huge match is now on the horizon with Bayern Munich coming to town...
"As you said, these are great matches to play in. We prepare for them physically and mentally, especially in the Champions League, and at home with our supporters. You have to be ready for these moments and enjoy them. It will be a difficult match. We're up against a team in very good form that we've already faced (a 2-0 win for Paris in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup). They're a very strong team, but I think we're also in very good form. For those of us who will be playing, it will be a great opportunity, especially for fans of the sport."
"The African Player of the Year award in 2025? I don't think about it constantly, but now that I have a chance to win it, it's become a dream! I've worked hard to win titles, both collective and individual."
2025 was an incredible year for the club, but also for you personally. How did you achieve this level of performance?
"I think I worked hard off the pitch, and on the pitch in particular, I've taken on more responsibility. I feel comfortable with my teammates and the coach. Ultimately, that's reflected in my performances on the pitch. My teammates help me a lot. When we all understand each other, everything goes much better. I try to take care of myself so that I can play every match. It's very important because I like to show the kind of player I am. I've matured a lot over the last two years and I want to continue to progress and develop as a player and, above all, as a person."
It was a fantastic season that puts you on the list of ten players nominated for the 2025 African Player of the Year award. Is that a goal for you?
"I don't think about it constantly, but now that I have a chance to win it, it's become a dream! I've worked hard to win titles, both collective and individual, and now that I'm one of the players shortlisted to win it... I think I'm one of the players who deserves it after the season I've had, and I'm happy to be among the favourites. It also motivates me even more to keep working hard so that, hopefully, I'll be on the list again next year!"
