Paris Saint-Germain began the new campaign with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia describing the trophy as an important reward after the club’s Champions League success earlier this year.
The result gave Paris Saint-Germain the UEFA Super Cup for the second time and extended their run of success in major finals. Kvaratskhelia scored the opening goal and said the team had deserved to win a difficult contest.
“I am always very happy to win trophies for this great club. It was a very difficult match, but we won in the end. I think we deserved this victory. It’s great to start the new season with such an important trophy, and we will fight until the end. This is just the beginning,” said Kvaratskhelia.
The forward was also asked whether he believed he had been the best player on the pitch after scoring the first goal.
“I don’t know, that should be judged by others, not by myself. But I do feel good because I had a longer vacation than others. I feel I’m in good shape, but I still have to keep training hard,” he said.
Kvaratskhelia added that Paris Saint-Germain would be targeting every available honour during the new season.
“Of course, we will fight for all titles. Our goal is to fight until the end and compete for every trophy. We have a very excellent team, including players, coaching staff, and the entire club, and we will do our best to achieve our goals.”
Desire Doue, who also scored in another Paris Saint-Germain final victory, said the UEFA Super Cup was particularly satisfying because it followed the club’s Champions League triumph.
“Great. It’s truly wonderful to win this trophy. It’s very difficult because before that, you have to win the Champions League first. We did it, and then we won the UEFA Super Cup for the second time, so it’s great for us,” said Doue.
The young Paris Saint-Germain side remains determined to maintain its momentum, according to Doue. He said the squad’s ambition had not been reduced by its recent achievements.
“We are always hungry. We want more. As I said after the Champions League final, we still want more. We are very ambitious. We are a very young team, and we hope to win everything again this season.”
Asked whether the team could improve further after already reaching such a high level, Doue replied: “Of course, of course. We always have room for improvement.”
Achraf Hakimi said the victory represented the ideal beginning to the campaign, particularly after returning from a demanding summer break.
“Yes, as you said, this is the best way to start the new season. The first game, the first victory, the first trophy, we couldn’t ask for more. I am very proud of the effort the team put in, and this is the best way to start the new season,” said Hakimi.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender said the club’s expectations would remain unchanged throughout the season.
“I think it’s the same as in the past. When we play in the Paris Saint-Germain jersey, our goal is to win all the competitions we participate in. So in the new season, we will try our best to go as far as possible in all competitions and strive for championships like last season.”
