Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike, 23, has spoken candidly about his upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash against his former club, Paris Saint-Germain. The Reds secured their spot in the last eight with a commanding 4-0 victory over Galatasaray on Wednesday night, advancing 4-1 on aggregate. Ekitike, who experienced a challenging tenure at PSG between 2022 and 2024 before reigniting his career with Eintracht Frankfurt and subsequently joining Liverpool, expressed his thoughts on facing the Parisian giants once more.
A Familiar Foe, No Grudge
When questioned about the prospect of facing PSG in the upcoming quarter-final ties on April 8th and 14th, Ekitike acknowledged a sense of familiarity rather than animosity. “It’s still a club I love,” he stated. “It’s great to be facing them again. Honestly, it’s good. It’s going to be interesting. A good match, a good test for the team and for me.”
Crucially, Ekitike was quick to dismiss any notion of seeking revenge. “But there’s no feeling of revenge,” he clarified. “I’m doing my job. I’m playing with my team, in a different environment. We’ve had different journeys. It’s still a club I love.”
Confidence in Liverpool’s Quality
Ekitike conveyed a strong sense of belief in Liverpool’s capabilities heading into the crucial European tie. “We have quality. I’m confident,” he asserted. “It’s good to be facing them again at this stage of the competition. I’m only focused on Liverpool.”
He outlined the key ingredients for success against a formidable PSG side. “A bit like today, we’ll have to show cohesion, be united, and work as a team against PSG. Individual talent and our tactical preparation will make the difference. We have quality. I’m confident,” he added, as reported by L’Equipe.
Moving On and Focusing Forward
Ekitike’s time at PSG was not as impactful as he would have hoped, with contributing factors including what was perceived as an unconventional management style from coach Christophe Galtier and a perceived lack of collective team strength. However, the young striker is not dwelling on the past or aiming to “settle scores.” He views any added narrative of personal vendetta as primarily a construct for certain media outlets and segments of the fanbase.
His primary focus remains firmly on his current objectives with Liverpool. While acknowledging the Reds as an “interesting team,” he also recognised their struggles with consistency throughout the current season. Eliminating PSG will undoubtedly require two exceptional performances. For Liverpool, this fixture could also be framed as an opportunity for redemption, particularly given their painful elimination from the competition in a previous season.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Ekitike is right to highlight Liverpool’s potential to reach the semi-finals. The squad possesses the talent and the drive to compete at the highest level. However, they will need to approach these encounters with a healthy respect for a PSG team that has consistently demonstrated its formidable capabilities.
These two matches are poised to be significant tests for both clubs. With the international break commencing on Monday, the anticipation and the wait for these pivotal European clashes are likely to feel exceptionally long for players and fans alike. The pressure will be on for Liverpool to deliver on their promise and for Ekitike to play a key role in a potential upset against his former employers. The tactical battles, individual duels, and the mental fortitude of both squads will be under the microscope as they vie for a coveted spot in the Champions League semi-finals.
