Lucas Chevalier is (once again) under fire from critics surrounding Paris Saint-Germain following a somewhat disappointing performance against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday in the Champions League. L’Equipe even went so far as to ask this Friday morning if the dressing room might “abandon” the 24-year-old goalkeeper. Former PSG player (1992-1997 and 1998-2000) and French international (44 caps) Bernard Lama weighed in with the newspaper.
Lama: “If they’re true teammates…”
I don’t think his defenders can hold it against him. Against Sporting Lisbon, they weren’t exactly at their best either. If they’re true teammates, on the contrary, they encourage you. It’s a complex situation with a 24-year-old who’s been put under a lot of pressure.
Lama: “We have to give him time.”
You can hardly expect someone to be world-class overnight. I agree that he’s not imperial, but we have to give him time. Donnarumma has been criticized too. And he was good for half a season, the last one.”
We know the media are looking for drama, but it’s surprising to see such a line crossed. The players’ main interest is supporting their goalkeeper so he can perform well. There might be a slight dip in confidence, but isolating or pushing him out wouldn’t achieve anything. Not to mention that it wouldn’t be professional. We’re thinking of coach Luis Enrique’s remark in the press conference, with journalists talking a lot without having the facts.
There’s no reason to think Chevalier is struggling, even if we hope to see him take the next step to regain his form at Lille. Also, even if it’s easier to have a scapegoat, the goals conceded aren’t solely his responsibility. The whole team is involved, as we showed with the second goal conceded on Tuesday night against Sporting. The solution is also a collective one.
