The scene did not go unnoticed. During Paris Saint-Germain’s big victory against Olympique Lyonnais (4-1), last weekend, Luis Enrique had, in fact, lost his temper with Gianluigi Donnarumma. Dissatisfied after a restart from the Italian goalkeeper – even if PSG scored its fourth goal straight away – the technician quickly calmed things down at a press conference. “It was just a regular game situation that we worked on in training. We have to improve, but he is a world-class player who has all my respect..
Gianluigi Donnarumma, indisputable holder until now…
A reaction which, however, did not fail to cause discussion, especially after the return of Keylor Navas to the club. Returned from his loan to Nottingham Forest, could the Costa Rican goalkeeper, relegated to the role of number 2 since the arrival of the Italian, have a hand to play during this 2023-2024 financial year? The question is legitimate. If the former last bastion of AC Milan remains, for the moment, an indisputable holder within the Parisian squad, the profile of the ex-Merengue, in fact, particularly appeals to Luis Enrique.
Under contract until June 2024 with the reigning French champions and author of two exceptional seasons in the Champions League (2019/2020 and 2020/2021), the native of San Isidro de El General – long courted this summer but ultimately stayed at the club – thus offers an additional option to the former coach of La Roja, who has never hidden his intention to rotate since his arrival in France and who appreciates Navas’ playing qualities at the foot.
A move to play for Keylor Navas?
With Arnau Tenas (22 years old) as another possibility in the Parisian goals, Luis Enrique will therefore be spoiled for choice and will, as such, be very vigilant about the future performances of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Sometimes criticized for his lapses in concentration, the man who has already conceded 3 goals in the first 4 days of Ligue 1 is obviously not in question but will have to remain very efficient to maintain his place as number 1. With three excellent goalkeepers, Luis Enrique will have to, whatever happens, distribute the minutes as best as possible and find the right words for everyone to accept their role.
Faced with this potential competition problem, specific to all the biggest clubs, the 53-year-old Spaniard will have the opportunity to demonstrate his management qualities, while preserving the competitiveness of PSG. One thing is certain, each outing of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Keylor Navas and Arnau Tenas, to a lesser extent, will logically be closely scrutinized. A perfect way for the three men to prove, or not, to their coach that they deserve a starting place. Present in the Costa Rican cages on Friday evening, during his team’s victory (3-1) against Saudi Arabia, Navas is, whatever happens, ready. Gianluigi Donnarumma, who should logically start this Saturday against North Macedonia during the qualifying phases for Euro 2024, has been warned.
