In an interview with L’Équipe, Mircea Lucescu spoke out in defense of Ilya Zabarnyi, who has faced a challenging start to his time at Paris Saint-Germain. The former Dynamo Kyiv coach pointed out a simple reality: in Paris, adaptation is often slower than elsewhere, especially for a defender immediately thrust into the demands of the highest level.
Lucescu: “PSG’s style of play is very different from what he experienced in England.”
“PSG’s style of play is very different from what he experienced in England. And when you play for the European champions, the pressure is constant. In Kyiv, too, he went through some difficult times, but he showed he has the character to handle it. He’s still young (23 years old). He has the technique, the physique, and the intelligence. There’s no reason why he can’t succeed in the long run.”
Lucescu’s message is clear: the Parisian context often distorts initial judgment. Changing leagues, playing styles, and mental environments by joining Paris Saint-Germain is no small matter. Here, every match is dissected, every mistake amplified, every silence interpreted. Yet, the club’s recent history is full of similar examples: Raí took time to establish his leadership, Gianluigi Donnarumma faced criticism for a long time before coming into his own, Ousmane Dembélé’s performance was questioned before he found his place, and Désiré Doué’s debut was scrutinized. In Paris, the first season isn’t a verdict: it’s a necessary step.
This logic of adaptation isn’t an excuse, but a healthier framework for understanding. The highest level is unforgiving, but it rarely rewards haste. PSG demands character as much as talent, and it’s often over time that career paths truly come into their own.
