Achraf Hakimi warns Arsenal over 'new PSG' as semi-final tactical plan revealed | OneFootball

This is a different PSG from years past

Luis Enrique’s side can also call on an experience edge, having reached this same stage last season, though they were stunned by Borussia Dortmund, who went on to lose to Real Madrid in the Wembley showpiece.

In what seemed at the time to be another blow, PSG then lost talisman Kylian Mbappe to Madrid on a free transfer.

However, the Frenchman’s departure marked the end of an era in which marquee signings like Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi dominated the narrative in Paris but ultimately failed to deliver Europe’s biggest prize.

A fresh, young squad has instead kicked on under Enrique this term, spearheaded by the likes of Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and a much-improved Ousmane Dembele, who has been passed fit to play after a hamstring issue.

“The project, from the president, the sporting director, Luis Campos, and the coach, since he came here two years ago, they tried to build a team more than star players,” said full-back Hakimi.

“I think that is the key for this new Paris Saint-Germain. The collective is more important than individuality. I feel like all together, we are stronger. I think in these kinds of games during the season you can feel that.

“Like if Ousmane maybe was injured or was not 100 per cent able to play, I’m sure someone else would play and will give 100 per cent for the best of the team. That is the strength of this team.”

PSG were more than value for their 1-0 win at the Emirates, having dominated the first half with their slick passing and high-octane pressing.

The lead would have been greater had substitutes Goncalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola not spurned golden chances late on, but Hakimi insists that even defending only a slender advantage, his team will come out with the same adventurous approach.

“I think is it a good type of pressure to have,” he added. “These are games that every player and child dreams of being involved and we have to channel that in the right way.

“I don’t think our style of play will change. The coach has always sent a clear message which is that whether we are winning or losing, our style will never change. We have shown that this year and last year. Tomorrow will be the same.

“We need to have the same personality that we have had on and off the ball that we have throughout the season. That’s the key to our team.”