Warren Zaïre-Emery, Paris Saint-Germain’s 18-year-old midfielder, stopped off in the mixed zone after the 1-1 penalty shoot-out victory over Lens this Sunday at Stade Bollaert in the round of 32 of the Coupe de France 2024-2025. He talked about this complicated qualification, the saves made by Matvey Safonov (25-year-old goalkeeper) and his assessment of the year 2024.
Zaïre-Emery: “It’s the strength of this group that means we’ll be going for this qualification.”
It’s over, but it was hard for PSG?
First and foremost, it’s over (smiles). We knew it was going to be complicated and that we’d have to pick up the pace. But we were able to do that too. We created chances and scored, something we’d been struggling to do. After that, it’s the strength of the group that means we’re going to qualify.
Zaire-Emery “Today he takes out two, so we’re very happy.”
Safonov saving two penalties?
I’d never seen him save penalties before, but today he saved two, helping his team, and I think that was his goal. We’re happy, and he must be happy for us too. It means we’ve qualified and it’s a good victory.
Is it a surprise to see him in this exercise?
We’ve already worked on penalties in training, but it’s never the same as in a match. There’s the pressure and the crowd pushing, it’s not the same thing. Today, two of them went in, so we’re very happy. We’re going to continue our adventure in the French Cup.
Zaire-Emery “I’ve learned a lot, both at the Euro and at club level.”
A real relief at the end of the match, was it a trap here?
We knew it was going to be tough, so we’re celebrating in the right way. And we’ve got the vacations to rest up a bit.
Do you know where Espaly (National 3 opponent in the round of 16) is?
Not at all (smile).
How do you feel about your opponents?
It’s always a match to play and win. We take each game one at a time and hope to go all the way.
How was your year?
I’ve learned a lot, both at the Euro and at club level. I’m trying to gain as much experience as possible and make progress. After that, when it comes to performances, there are always ups and downs. But the aim is to keep progressing and working to be better.
