Lucas Chevalier determined to reclaim PSG number one ahead of Safonov | OneFootball

Lucas Chevalier, disappointed by his reduced status, intends to fight to be Paris Saint-Germain’s first choice ahead of Matveï Safonov, according to L'Équipe.

After PSG lifted the Intercontinental Cup on Wednesday by beating Flamengo, 1-1, 2-1 on penalties, Luis Enrique deferred questions about his goalkeeping hierarchy. He could face them again in his press conference on Friday before the Coupe de France 32es de finale at Fontenay-le-Comte on Saturday.

Safonov saved four penalties against Flamengo and has impressed across three straight starts, making any change difficult. The club position is that there is no fixed pecking order, performance dictates selection and the coach decides on the day.

Chevalier injured an ankle at Monaco on 29 November in the 0-1 defeat. Before Metz on 13 December, a 3-2 win, he had only two pain-free sessions, so his return was not hurried, and although pain from Lamine Camara’s tackle lingered, nothing prevented him playing against Flamengo.

He learned he would be a substitute only hours before kick-off. There was disappointment, yet he accepted the logic given Safonov’s form and the result, with the team’s win taking precedence.

The situation recalls March 2021 at Lille, when, as Mike Maignan’s understudy, he was overlooked against Ajaccio, 3-1, for Oréstis Karnézis. He is taking a calmer view now on a five-year deal, living day by day.

Paris has brought sharper scrutiny, amplified by a pro-RN tweet he described as an error. Some questioned his signing over a perceived top-level Donnarumma. He aims to turn the tide, though he accepts selection may be beyond his control.

Source: L'Équipe