PSG v Rennes: Lepaul makes bold claim about Safonov | OneFootball

This Saturday, as part of the 15th matchday of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain faced Monaco at the Parc des Princes. Esteban Lepaul (25 years old), forward for the Rennes team, stopped at the Ligue 1+ microphone after Paris’ 5-0 victory (video highlights PSG/Rennes). He spoke about missed chances and the difference between his team and the European champions.

Lepaul: “Of course, it hurts, 5-0”

Are you still smiling despite the heavy scoreline?

Of course, it hurts, 5-0, no matter how the match played out. Tonight we’re learning what it means to play at the very, very top level, against a team that’s European champion, and that’s where you see the difference even if we had a good first half. We managed to create some chances but, well, when our shot hits the post and then on the counterattack you concede a goal, that also shows the difference. Paris didn’t miss their chances and congratulations to them for the win.

What were the coach’s instructions tonight?

We knew it was a team that moved a lot, with players like Neves or Vitinha everywhere. We tried to make sure they had as little activity as possible, but it’s not easy and the very top level made us pay tonight.

Lepaul: “Even when we’re down 2-0, we aim to come back”

What did the coach say at halftime?

He told us to keep doing what we did well in the first half, not to throw everything away and even to hold onto some things. Even when we’re down 2-0, we aim to come back. The third goal in a match is always very important and he told us to keep up the intensity and our intentions. He wanted us to tighten up the spaces around the Paris players. That’s what was said.

About your shot?

We knew there were things to try there. I saw it going in and then I just heard the sound of the post. I had a quick word for him (Safonov) at halftime, he made a very good save and on the counter we conceded a goal that really hurt us in that first half.

Lepaul: “When he had things to do, he did them well. Well done to him”

A very good Safonov?

Yes, he’s not the regular starter and it’s never easy for a player not to play. When he had things to do, he did them well. Well done to him.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.