Having arrived at Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, 27-year-old goalkeeper Matvei Safonov gradually established himself as Luis Enrique’s number one. Speaking to L’Equipe, Aram Fundukyan, director of the Krasnodar academy, commented on the Russian goalkeeper’s mentality.
Safonov: “When PSG signed Chevalier, he told me he didn’t care.”
“With him, there was no beating around the bush; he was always very determined and self-assured. When he left, I told him he was going to experience something unusual because he had never really been number two. He replied: ‘That’s true, but I want to prove that I’m number one.'”
The first season was difficult, but if Donnarumma was so good, it’s perhaps also because Matvei was there. When PSG signed Chevalier, he told me he didn’t care, that it didn’t change anything, that he was going to work hard to take his place. He studies everything with his dedicated coach: his run-up, his supporting foot. He’s incredibly well-prepared.
Safonov arrived at PSG with his own unique mentality. His determination allowed him to remain second choice for a while, working quietly behind the scenes, before taking on a more prominent role when the coach called upon him. His performances in the Parisian jersey have often been convincing, even when he was simply used as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s backup.
Today, Safonov seems to have firmly established himself as Luis Enrique’s number one choice. Unfortunately for Lucas Chevalier, the Russian goalkeeper’s performances aren’t working in his favor. But for PSG, having Safonov in their ranks remains very good news and a reassuring point for the defense.
