Ligue 1 resumes this weekend, and PSG hosts Paris FC in the capital derby, Sunday January 4 evening. For this match, Lucas Chevalier should start, Matvey Safonov still missing after a hand injury suffered during the penalty shootout in the final of the Intercontinental Cup won against Flamengo.
Recruited for 55 million euros after an exceptional season with Lille, Chevalier succeeded Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was pushed out and left for Manchester City. At 24, the Frenchman is still struggling to convince, especially since a period of injury allowed Safonov to settle in and put in a string of solid performances.
Despite this context, Chevalier remains confident. According to The Parisianthe first part of the season does not disturb the French international who is focusing on the next five months to establish himself in the Parisian goals and benefits from the total confidence of Luis Enrique. However, he knows that Safonov will be a serious competitor upon his return.
“PSG needs to have two great goalkeepers”
At the club, competition is real but healthy. “PSG needs to have two great goalkeepers, and that is the case today. The coach appreciates Chevalier’s style, like Safonov’s. This is the principle of competition, the best will play in each match. But during a season, there are also opportunities to be seized”explains an internal source at the European champions on a daily basis.
Lucas Chevalier should therefore regain his role as number 1 this Sunday evening, but the Safonov threat still looms. After a well-deserved vacation, the French goalkeeper knows that he now has five months to win: failing that, Luis Enrique will not hesitate to decide.
