A year ago, Matvey Safonov was chomping at the bit on the Paris Saint-Germain bench. The capital club had put a new competitor in its path with Lucas Chevalier, bought for €55 million (bonus included) from Lille in order to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Russian, who believed he had the abilities and qualities to be more than an understudy, had even opened the door to leaving if his situation did not improve. Finally, he succeeded in his bet by seizing the slightest opportunity given by Luis Enrique. Through patience and work, he relegated the Frenchman to the background and established himself permanently in the Ile-de-France cages. With him, PSG notably won Ligue 1 and the Champions League.
If there was talk of recruiting a new specialist for the position during the last summer transfer window, with Zion Suzuki, this did not overly frighten Safonov. Always ready to go into battle, he left for another round, retaining the trust of Lucho and his staff. This season, the 27-year-old goalkeeper has participated in eight matches in all competitions, all as a starter. He has conceded 10 goals, but has only kept one clean sheet so far. Despite some criticism here and there, he retains his place as number 1, having been particularly good against Brest two weeks ago. In Russia, the native of Krasnodar is also considered an important element of the national team. A selection which remains in three matches without conceding a single goal.
Safonov doesn’t think he’s the best goalkeeper in the world
Safonov was not present at all these meetings. But he kept the goals well during his country’s last outing against Iran on September 29 (2-0). He is expected to start tomorrow at 5 p.m. against Namibia in a friendly. Before this meeting, the 24-cap Russian international took the time to give one or more interviews, including one to the channel YouTube “Vpiska“. He spoke of his ambitions with his country, deprived of competitions. Despite this, he hopes to one day win the Euro or the World Cup. “It’s up to future generations to act. I hope we win in the next ten years and I can participate. Things need to change, it takes time. We don’t have the chance yet. »
Nominated for the Yachine Trophy for best goalkeeper, he mentioned this distinction. “It was no secret to me that I was nominated for goalkeeper of the year. I don’t have a dream, because a dream is something unattainable. Last season, my goal was to be among the top 5 goalkeepers in the world. That was my ultimate goal, I didn’t think about anything else. If I succeed this year, I will have achieved my goal from last year. But I don’t consider myself the best. » He then spoke about the chances of a Russian player one day winning the Ballon d’Or. “In theory, the Messi-Ronaldo era lasted 10 years. It will still be 12 to 14 years before a Russian player appears in one of them. This is hardly credible. » He also admitted to being admiring of a former soundtrack.
The Russian praises Ousmane Dembélé
“Since my childhood, I have been a fan of Cristiano in this competition. Perhaps I was more interested in his style, his image as a hardworking professional. But Messi is a talent. » In France, Safonov rubs shoulders with another winner of the supreme trophy: Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©. He admitted that the Frenchman is the best player he has ever played with. “The decisions he makes are completely unexpected; I wouldn’t have even imagined they were possible. He didn’t need to look at me to know where I was when he finished. » There was also talk of Luis Enrique. “He brought a different approach, vision and mentality. This is true professional sport. In Krasnodar, we practiced throw-ins, but in my current team, you just have to follow the coach’s instructions. No point wasting training time with that.”he explained in comments relayed by Sport-Express.
Moreover, he was asked which Russian footballer he would recommend to his coach. “If I gave the right advice, I probably would have been asked that question by now. I leave that to the football specialists and I take no responsibility for it. » In the meantime, he has been trying to be an example for his compatriots since his transfer to Paris. “I have said many times that my transfer probably had a mission. I think I have accomplished it, and perhaps I am still fulfilling it: showing that everything is possible. We can go from the Krasnodar training center to the big clubs, to the Champions League. » A trophy he won as a starter last year against Arsenal. “I wanted it to be a normal match. I played well, I didn’t have to change anything. Was I more nervous than usual? Of course. We must not deceive ourselves. This is probably the most important match of my career… As usual, I laid down and watched videos on YouTube. I did as usual. »
The guardian splits the armor
After speaking about football, Matvey Safonov then opened his heart to discuss certain personal dramas. “What do I hate the most in Russia? My family history, my first marriage. My life has been made up of different stages, I have done different things. I realized I didn’t like the person I was with. I hurt my ex-wife, that’s a fact. I didn’t do my best. The main problem is that most of the criticism falls on my current wife, Marina.. He spoke about this separation while he was expecting a daughter with his ex-partner. “A child cannot be happy if his parents are not happy. Whatever choice one makes in such a situation, it will inevitably be a mistake.” With modesty, he spoke of his relationship with his daughter, with whom he is just beginning to communicate.
“I hadn’t spoken to him in years. Not everyone wants me to be a part of their life. I decided to try again when she is five… I have already called her three times. It all started when she was afraid of me. She asked me my name. I said, “Matvey.” She replied: “My dad’s name is Matvey too.” I tried to explain to her that I was her father, and she was very surprised… I think I cried three or four times. Well, at least I shed a tear. » Safonov also spoke of the harm done to his current wife, accused of having seen him while he was already in a relationship. The Russian, who has cracked the armor, is now focusing on the field with a very busy season between PSG and the Russian team.
