Lucas Chevalier benched as Luis Enrique resets PSG goalkeeper hierarchy | OneFootball

Luis Enrique sprang a surprise by starting Matveï Safonov in PSG’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle, demoting Lucas Chevalier and reigniting the goalkeeping contest.

Since arriving last summer, Chevalier had been first choice until a November injury, having joined from Lille for up to €55m. According to L'Équipe, Enrique had earlier resisted calls to rotate despite uneven displays.

He initially stuck by Chevalier, but the late-November setback flipped the order. Safonov impressed, notably saving four penalties in the Intercontinental Cup shootout on 17 December, then fractured his hand in the same match, sending Chevalier back in.

Wednesday was a deliberate switch despite Safonov not playing for six weeks. Enrique said he is comfortable rotating, does not yet know his next choice, and wants players ready at all times.

The move suggests there is no fixed status and that Chevalier’s recent outings have not fully convinced, with the 1-2 in Lisbon a week ago perhaps weighing.

Chevalier did not expect to be benched, but he knew there were no guarantees and now must respond. The episode echoes autumn 2024, when Safonov started against Bayern Munich, erred on a high ball in a 1-0 defeat, and Gianluigi Donnarumma then rebounded to drive PSG’s European triumph.

Such management can either unsettle or energise a keeper. Chevalier was affected but not crushed, feels at home in Paris, and aims to seize his next chance. As Mike Maignan’s understudy for France, limited minutes may affect his World Cup place this summer.

Source: L'Équipe