After the game against PSG, Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer spoke about the tactical difficulties presented by Achraf Hakimi and how his team attempted to counter them. Schmetzer’s comments highlighted the Moroccan international’s crucial role in Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) squad, particularly his potent attacking abilities from the right-back position.
According to Schmetzer, Hakimi consistently moved into the right pocket when his team had possession, showcasing their fluid style of play. He emphasized that containing Hakimi wasn’t solely one player’s responsibility, stating that Paul Rothrock, Christian Roldan and the center-backs also played crucial roles in the defensive effort.
“Well they have Hakimi who comes into the right pocket almost every time they have possession they’re very fluid in there. So it wasn’t just Paul i mean I can mention, Christian, Obed you know, the center backs also did a great job, I mean there was a lot of guys that had to cover that. But specifically with one of their best players, Paul was in charge of that part of the field and you know there’s a kid from Seattle United you know just doing his thing in front of a lot of people. So credit to the team and credit to Paul.”
While it was a team effort, Paul Rothrock was specifically assigned to manage the area of the field where Hakimi, “one of the opponent’s best players,” operated. Schmetzer proudly acknowledged Paul’s effectiveness in this role, noting that the local Seattle United player performed his duties well in front of a large crowd.
Ultimately, despite the Seattle Sounders’ commendable tactical efforts to neutralize PSG’s formidable right-wing threat, they couldn’t entirely shut down Achraf Hakimi, whose decisive goal sealed a 2-0 victory for PSG.
