Le Parisien’s Dominique Severac came to the defense of Matvey Safonov, often criticized after the 4 goals conceded against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Safonov, 27, has become the preferred option for head coach Luis Enrique in the goalkeeping role, displacing Lucas Chevalier, signed by PSG for around €40 million in the summer, to the bench.
The decision has not sat well with everyone, but the reality is that the Russian goalkeeper has met the demands. Of course, he has made some mistakes and has room for improvement, but in general, he conveys confidence.
Severac recalled Safonov’s good performances in the Champions League, saying, “PSG has just played 5 knockout matches and won all five.” The journalist made a comparison with last season: “That is already two more than last season at the same time since they lost the round of 16 first leg 0-1 against Liverpool and the return leg at Aston Villa 3-2.”
“There are problems, and big ones, would Safonov be one of those? Imperial against Chelsea, imperial against Liverpool, Safonov would be the main problem because he was not magical against Bayern, the best attack in Europe, along with PSG?”
The Le Parisien journalist finally made a parallel with Manuel Neuer, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper: “Isn’t there a problem with Neuer, between his return against Real Madrid and his first leg in Paris?”
It is expected that on Saturday against Lorient, Safonov will rest, and after Chevalier’s injury, 24, the most likely scenario is that the third Parisian goalkeeper, Renato Marin, finally makes his Ligue 1 debut.
