Matvey Safonov welcomes Lucas Chevalier competition at PSG | OneFootball

There has been plenty of change in the goalkeeper position over the summer at Paris Saint-Germain. Gianluigi Donnarumma has been replaced by Lucas Chevalier, who joined from Lille OSC, whilst Renato Marin joined from AS Roma to replace the outgoing Arnau Tenas.

However, there is an element of continuity. Amid the changes, Matvey Safonov (26) remains the No.2 at PSG, although he has now not played a game in three months. When the Russian arrived last summer, he was bullish about his chances of taking the No.1 jersey. However, the chances of doing so now look more remote. Unlike Donnarumma, whose position as No.1 was in doubt when Safonov arrived at PSG, Chevalier is very much the out-and-out No.1.

Speaking to local media during the international break, Safonov has evoked the competition at PSG. “It has been three months since I last played. I would like to play. The situation is different […] I was expecting competition and I still expect it,” said the Russia international.

Safonov continued, “My objective is to prove in every match and every training session that I deserve my place. If I get my chance, I will do my best to show that I am up to the task.”

In the interview, transcribed by Le Parisien, Safonov also evoked his relationship with Chevalier. “We have great contact. There is a great atmosphere in training. All of the goalkeepers are formidable people,” said PSG’s No.2.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle