Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Aims to Propel PSG to Consecutive Champions League Finals

“I play football because it brings me joy, and I always feel delighted when I’m on the pitch,” the 25-year-old former Napoli star remarked on Monday, ahead of the first leg against the German champions in Paris.

While the English Premier League has shifted this season towards more emphasis on physicality and set-pieces, clubs like PSG and Bayern Munich have displayed through their European performances that the highest level of football can still be a tremendous spectacle.

“Football has transformed and is not the same game as it once was, but it’s crucial to create beautiful moments, and I’m proud to be able to do that,” added Kvaratskhelia, who has emerged as a key figure in PSG’s journey towards another Champions League final.

Since his transfer from Napoli in January last year, Kvaratskhelia has played a pivotal role under Luis Enrique, helping the team secure a resounding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final, marking PSG’s first Champions League triumph.

This season has seen him reach new heights, netting 15 goals across Ligue 1 and the Champions League, surpassing the 14 he scored during Napoli’s Serie A title-winning campaign last year.

Eight of these goals have come in European competitions, including a stunning finish against Atalanta in September and impressive strikes during dominant knockout matches against Chelsea and Liverpool.

His clinical finishing paired with a remarkable work ethic has made the player, affectionately dubbed “Kvaradona” by Napoli supporters, a nightmare for defenders.

Absent from World Cup

“I believe my technical skills were on par with what I demonstrated at Napoli, but I have made significant strides defensively under Luis Enrique. His guidance has been invaluable,” Kvaratskhelia shared, acknowledging the pressure that comes with comparisons to Diego Maradona.

“It can be challenging to be compared to Maradona; it creates a certain expectation every time I step onto the pitch.”

Nevertheless, Kvaratskhelia has found his rhythm at a crucial juncture, scoring seven times in his last eight games.

He was rested by Luis Enrique for PSG’s comfortable 3-0 win over Angers on Saturday, a victory that positioned them firmly towards retaining the Ligue 1 title as they now hold a six-point advantage over Lens with four matches remaining.

However, the Champions League is their primary ambition, and he will return to action against Bayern alongside Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, as PSG seeks to establish a lead ahead of next week’s second leg in Munich.

“We had a busy schedule last season, which left us a bit fatigued at the start of this season, but we are now in excellent physical condition,” remarked Kvaratskhelia.

With the World Cup on the horizon, it is unfortunate that, despite the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams, there will be no place for a talent of his calibre, as Georgia did not qualify.

This amplifies the importance of the Champions League for him, although Luis Enrique insists that the World Cup is not a distraction for his players as they aim for further European glory.

“That’s the allure of the Champions League – it brings a unique energy to the players, and everyone is eager to make the most of this matchup,” stated the Spanish coach.