Matvei Safonov shines at Brest as PSG earn first clean sheet after shaky start | OneFootball

After an underwhelming start to the season, Matvei Safonov was pivotal in PSG's 1-0 win at Brest, securing their first clean sheet.

According to L'Équipe, the Russian’s early-season form had been scrutinised, with nine conceded from nine shots on target and questions over his near-post vulnerability. Luis Enrique said there was no debate, adding he has three top goalkeepers and is very happy with Safonov.

At Brest he backed up his manager, producing six saves. Some hesitancy on two or three aerial balls will be noted, but the decisive interventions mattered.

He parried Kamory Doumbia’s close-range header in the 57th minute, then pushed away Pathé Mboup’s strike in the 87th.

Safonov felt the display can help kick-start his campaign. "Yes, I think so, it was important for me to get a first clean sheet," he said.

"We have not had much luck, we conceded a lot while facing few shots. That is football, sometimes the opponent have two shots and score. We have changed that situation."

Asked if he had doubted, he replied with a broad smile: "What is doubt? I do not know." On the criticism, he added: "You are telling me, I do not look at that."

Source: L'Équipe

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