After the big victory against OM last weekend (0-3) at the Vélodrome, Paris Saint-Germain had every interest in riding on this success against RC Lens, on the lawn of the Parc des Princes, during this 10th day of Ligue 1, before hosting Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday evening. For this poster, coach Luis Enrique had brought out an almost starting team despite some changes, notably Fabian Ruiz in the middle instead of Warren Zaire-Emery, but especially the Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov in the cages. The presence of the former Krasnodar player in the starting lineup was a cause for concern at kick-off, as Gianluigi Donnarumma, on the bench at the start of the match, was announced as the starter as usual. But Luis Enrique warned Matvey Safonov and Arnau Tenas at the start of the season. There is no real hierarchy built behind Donnarumma. Starting for the third time with Paris in Ligue 1 this season (four including Girona in C1), Safonov produced a performance which bodes well for good things.
Behind the Italian international, anything is possible, as evidenced by his surprise start this Saturday against Lens: “I never say he will be number 1, 2 or 3. I want to see them in training and for them to be ready when I call on them», Alerted the Spanish coach in September. And that’s good, because the native of Stavropol has always affirmed that he did not come to Paris to settle for a number two place. He wants to overshadow Gianluigi Donnarumma and take advantage of every minute offered: “No one ever told me I was number two. I come to Paris to fight. I want to play football. If they had told me I was number two, I wouldn’t have listened to them. It’s up to me to give the best of myself. I don’t see myself as a number two. I don’t want to be a replacement. If they put me as number two, it won’t be easy for number one… I’m going to fight with him constantly. I have never lost a competition. I’ve always been the number one goalkeeper», promised the 25-year-old Russian in an interview given last June to the Russian YouTube channel Nobel Prize.
A valuable role in Luis Enrique’s system
Recruited for 20 million euros, Matvey Safonov set down his bags in the French capital with the label of great unknown in the battalion. His first outings against Stade Rennais, Reims and Girona were enough to call into question the whole usefulness of his signing. But against the Sang et Or this Saturday, the Russian international showed interesting things that go beyond the simple individual framework. For example, at half-time of the match, the former Krasnodar goalkeeper had already touched 40 balls, more than players like Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Marco Asensio, Achraf Hakimi and even Bradley Barcola in the first act. . His footwork is therefore essential at the start of each action and the Parisian defenders did not hesitate on several occasions to give the leather to the Russian goalkeeper who took the time to look for the right opening to break the Lensois offensive curtains: “Why Safonov? I put Safonov on to counter the Lensois pressing”justified Luis Enrique on beIN Sports at the final whistle.
He finished the match with three saves and more than 50 balls touched, 22 more than Donnarumma’s usual average. Reassuring on the feet despite a few moments of hesitation and solid in the air, Safonov scored points in the minds of the Parisian staff: “I knew that we would have a lot of difficulties because of Lens’ pressure, very high pressure, very strong duels where the only free player is the goalkeeper. I have a total obsession with having all players ready to play at all times. Safonov, Tenas, Donnarumma must be ready at all times. If I want this to be the case for the goalkeepers, I also want it to be the case for all the other players. Today, Safonov has generated a certain superiority for us. He was very good and it wasn’t easy for him. I am very happy with his performance“, explained the Spanish coach. A career is a matter of opportunity and Safonov understands this…
