Matvey Safonov, the 27-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and Russia goalkeeper, discussed on Telegram his return to training with PSG in preparation for the 2026-2027 season. While the summer break was beneficial, the Champions League winner noted that one must also “suffer” during the pre-season conditioning phase.
Safonov: “A full pre-season preparation is essential.”
“A long vacation offers a chance to rest and take a break from football. It is essential after a long season when fatigue sets in. However, two months can also lead to a significant drop in fitness. It makes sense, then, that a full pre-season preparation is indispensable after such a break.
The first week of preparation is already behind us. It was dedicated to regaining fitness and technical work. Now, we need to readjust to the rhythm of daily training and lay the groundwork for the next stage.
Safonov: “Once I got there, I realized it was just an illusion.”
This week was a real emotional rollercoaster. Between the fatigue, intensive training, and getting back into the rhythm, I constantly oscillated between drowsiness and total apathy, and moments of intense energy and freshness. Even on mornings when I felt close to peak form, once I arrived at the training ground, I realized it was just an illusion.
I’ve found my rhythm again. I’ve revisited the fundamentals, and we’ll get back into match fitness through actual games. On the 5th, we face Mallorca, and on the 8th, Manchester United. These are interesting friendlies—perfect for preparing for our first official match on the 12th.”
Paris coach Luis Enrique often emphasizes the importance of rest for players, ensuring they remain fresh and happy whether arriving for training or a match. This is a point the players have highlighted repeatedly, as they appreciate their coach’s attentiveness and understanding. After two nearly back-to-back seasons—compounded by the Club World Cup in the summer of 2025—the Parisian squad has finally been able to take a vacation. They enjoyed at least three weeks off (for those who went the distance in the 2026 World Cup), four weeks for other World Cup participants, and nearly two months for those who did not attend the tournament.
This break will be beneficial for recharging both physically and mentally. However, the return to action during pre-season training is always “tough.” The team must gear up for the season ahead through very intense work. This is crucial for the campaign, even though the opening weeks can be difficult. The team won’t be at peak performance immediately; it takes time to regain match rhythm. Everyone is aware of this—right up until the actual matches begin. Unfortunately, we know that criticism can easily follow, with people quickly forgetting the context.
For now, the Parisians can work in a calm atmosphere since competitive play hasn’t started yet. First, they have two friendlies—against Mallorca on August 5 and Manchester United on August 8—to shake off the rust and get their legs moving again. Then, the competitive season begins. They will need to build momentum while also securing wins. The good news is that other teams face this same challenge.
