More comfortable on the pitch than behind the microphone, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia took part in a press conference practice this Tuesday ahead of Tottenham’s reception for day 5 of the Champions League.
Since the start of the season, the Georgian has epitomized the two-speed and more efficient PSG on the European stage where he has scored two goals. Facing journalists, the number 7 player admitted that his physical condition was better and praised the work of Luis Enrique which was the origin of his large defensive investment on the field.
PSG still lost against Bayern. How important is it to react against Tottenham?
KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA. It was a tough game against Bayern, although I thought our second half was better. Now that we have a second chance, a chance to rebuild, we must do everything to win.
What can you improve in your game?
I think there are many aspects I can improve. I’m working on these things. I can score more goals, make more passes. Every day I try to be the best version of myself.
We saw you defend a lot during the game. Is this something normal?
Before, I wasn’t really like that, I was more focused on attacking. I realize that every player has to contribute defensively. I improved and developed at this level thanks to the coach. I give everything, I help 100% on and off the pitch. When I finish a match, I know that I have given 100% and I am ready for any eventuality.
“We are completely ready now”
Do you think you are in good physical condition now after a difficult start to the season in this aspect?
Yes, of course it was difficult, we had a long season and didn’t have much rest. It wasn’t easy to come back physically, but we won the Super Cup. We are really ready now and we show it in every game. I feel very good right now.
What do you think of this Tottenham team?
They played very well, attacking and defending well. In the European Super Cup, we lost 2-0 and managed to come back. It won’t be easy, it will be a tough game. But we feel good, we are really ready.
How can we successfully compensate for Achraf Hakimi’s absence?
It’s very complicated to replace Achraf, he was one of the best players last season. He deserved to win the African Golden Ball trophy, congratulations to him. Coach tried a solution without him. I think he’s really an extraordinary player, a great person, we need him and we hope he comes back as soon as possible.
How do you rate Paris’ integration of titis this season?
The young players are extraordinary. They work hard. Sometimes we don’t realize that they are only 16 or 17 years old, they want to learn, that’s great. PSG has a great academy. These players are truly ready to play at a professional level and they will be the best players in the future if they continue to work like this. They are great people.
“French football? The game is hard, the game is fast”
What have you learned about French football since your arrival?
I’ve heard about French football, people say it’s easy, but it’s more complicated than it seems. The game is hard, the game is fast. Everyone wants to beat us. It is not easy to win this championship which is one of the five best in Europe.
We feel more comfortable in the left corridor than in the right, do you agree?
Everyone knows that I like to play on the left side. But in football, you have to be able to change, to be versatile. It’s not always easy to know that I’ve moved a lot to the left in my career. I hope it ends up being as good as on the right and left side.
