Lucas Chevalier, the 24-year-old Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, stopped in the mixed zone after the penalty shootout victory (2-2, then 4-1 on penalties) against Olympique de Marseille this Thursday in Kuwait for the 2025 Champions Trophy. He reacted to his decisive performance, as well as the difficulties and criticism he has faced since his arrival last summer from Lille.
Chevalier: “It stems from the work done by the staff to ensure we’re in the best possible conditions.”
Where does PSG’s strength in penalty shootouts come from? Do they have a napkin with instructions?
Yes, of course (smiles). PSG has been very good at penalty shootouts since the Liverpool match last year, I think (it even started in Lens in the Coupe de France). It stems from the work done by the staff to ensure we’re in the best possible conditions.
Ultimately, it’s up to us to make the decision. The players can also make changes. It seems to be working well, with instinct and hard work. I’m very happy, even more so against Marseille. It’s always a pleasure (smiles).
Chevalier: “I have a lot of qualities, and today we saw that.”
Your best match at PSG?
I think so, because I was involved from start to finish, I had some important saves to make. Even if everything wasn’t perfect. I made a lot of saves, but being a goalkeeper isn’t just about that, especially since there are some situations where I know I can do better. But that’s the unseen work.
I work to be the best I can be. I have a lot of qualities, and today we saw that. People already saw it in Lille, but when you do it in Paris, it’s more important for people.
Chevalier: “You didn’t make life easy for me.”
A difficult adjustment?
Here, there was a change of atmosphere, of scale, and I learned a lot from that. But you, the journalists first and foremost, are also part of that, and you didn’t make life easy for me either, it has to be said. But that’s part of the life of a top-level athlete, if you want to reach the next level.
The demands are at their highest. I know I was doing some things well, others not so well. I’m comfortable in my own skin, I know what I’m capable of, and that I can help PSG a lot. I won’t give up, no matter what. People can think what they want, it won’t change anything for me.
Chevalier: “Don’t worry, I’m doing very well.”
How did I feel for two months?
I felt perhaps a little destabilized because I’d never been in this situation before. But I’ve never been in a vulnerable position. I just took it in stride, which is what you have to do. It might happen later in my career, where people try to challenge you. But that’s part of it. Today, I’m very happy to help the team.
There are a lot of games, and I know you have to be good every three days here. If I’m good today, I can be the best goalkeeper in the world, and if I’m not next week, I can be one of the worst. I’m going to try to give my all every time, but otherwise, don’t worry, I’m doing very well.
