Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique opted to start Matvey Safonov (26) in goal for the French Cup final against Reims at the Stade de France on Saturday evening (3-0 win). A surprising choice, given that it leaves Gianluigi Donnarumma (26) out for 2 weeks ahead of the Champions League final against Inter Milan next Saturday. Fabrice Grange, a former member of Les Bleus (French national team) staff and goalkeeping coach in Christophe Galtier’s squad at Al-Duhail, gave his thoughts on the matter.
«There’s no risk of decompression.»
“It’s not embarrassing, it won’t affect his performance in Munich. We’re not talking about someone who’s been out for several months and whose decision-making may be more difficult on his return. We’re talking about a goalkeeper who’s been on top form all season and who’s continued to train in top-level sessions.
At this stage of the season, he’s got the rhythm and the bearings, so there’s no need to worry. Luis Enrique and his staff have no doubt been looking for freshness, both physically and above all. There’s no risk of decompression. The deadline is too important. When you’ve got a C1 final in sight, the players aren’t going to do just anything. That’s all they think about. Mentally and physically, he’ll be at 200% and he’ll be back in the game straight away.
«You’re bound to have it in the back of your mind and it can influence you.»
In the matches leading up to a major final, you’re bound to have it on your mind and it can influence you, you can subconsciously say to yourself, “What if I get injured?” Making the choice of mental freshness and not taking any risks is interesting, when you have the luxury of being able to do it like Paris, who were already champions.”
We suspect that Luis Enrique didn’t choose at random and that he can trust Donnarumma. It’s a little different for the players, who need rhythm in their running. The goalkeeper also makes an effort, but it’s different.
Of course, the Italian keeper remains fully focused and won’t let up between now and the Champions League final. Donnarumma might have been a little less focused in the French Cup, with the risk of a mistake that can’t be made up for.
Safonov has also put in some fine performances in this competition, notably in the Round of 32 against Lens. Including a great penalty shoot-out. It’s also good that he’s playing in this final for his morale. That’s not to be overlooked, and may have played a part in the choice made by Luis Enrique and his staff. In any case, they’ve shown this season that you can trust them when it comes to managing the squad.
