PSG/OM: Chevalier hits back at criticism without mincing words | OneFootball

Lucas Chevalier, the 24-year-old goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain, stopped in the mixed zone after the penalty shootout victory (2-2, then 4-1 on penalties) against Olympique de Marseille(video highlights PSG/OM) this Thursday in Kuwait as part of the 2025 Trophée des Champions. He reacted to his decisive performance, as well as to the difficulties and criticism he has faced since arriving last summer from Lille.

Chevalier: “It all starts with the work done by the staff to put us in the best conditions.”

Where does PSG’s strength in penalty shootouts come from? Is there the towel with the instructions?

Yes, of course (smile). PSG has been very good at penalties since Liverpool last year, I think (it even started at Lens in the Coupe de France). It all starts with the work done by the staff to put us in the best conditions.

After that, it’s up to us to make the decision. The players can also change. It seems to be working well, with instinct and hard work. I’m very happy, even more so against Marseille. It’s always a pleasure (smile).

Chevalier: “I have a lot of qualities and today you saw them.”

Your best match for PSG?

I think so, because I was called upon from start to finish, I had some important saves to make. Even if everything isn’t perfect. I made a lot of saves, but being a goalkeeper isn’t just about that, especially since there are a few situations where I know I could have done better. But that’s the invisible work.

I work to be as effective as possible. I have a lot of qualities and today you saw them. People already saw that at Lille, but when you do it in Paris, it’s more important for people.

Chevalier: “You didn’t make life easy for me”

A difficult adaptation?

Here, there was a change of atmosphere, of dimension, and I learned a lot from that. But you, the journalists first and foremost, are also part of it and you didn’t make life easy for me, that has to be said too. But that’s part of the life of a top-level athlete, if you want to take steps forward.

The demands are at their highest, I know I did some things well, others less so. I feel good in my shoes, I know what I’m capable of and that I can help PSG a lot. I won’t give up, no matter what. People can think what they want, it won’t change anything for me.

Chevalier: “Don’t worry, I’m doing very well.”

How did I feel for two months?

I may have felt a bit unsettled because I had never been in this situation before. But I was never in a position of vulnerability. I just took it in, that’s what you have to do. It might happen a bit later in my career, when people will try to challenge you. But that’s part of the deal. Today, I’m very happy to help the team.

There are a lot of matches and I know you have to be good every three days here. If I’m good today, I can be the best goalkeeper in the world and if I’m not next week, I can be one of the worst. I’ll try to give my best every time but otherwise, don’t worry, I’m doing very well.”

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