Matvei Safonov lands blow in fight for PSG No.1 jersey | OneFootball

Since arriving at Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, Matvei Safonov (25) has been vocal in his determination to displace Gianluigi Donnarumma (25) as the No.1 at the club.

Donnarumma’s performances last season were enough to instil doubt, forcing PSG to go out and spend €20m on another goalkeeper. Safonov wasn’t brought in as a No.2 but more like a No.1.5, capable of applying the pressure and even displacing the incumbent.

It was more of the same this season for Donnarumma, who has failed to perform on the biggest stage, in the UEFA Champions League. Safonov has therefore had his chances, notably starting against Bayern Munich in this season’s campaign. His Italian teammate was then injured against AS Monaco in midweek, meaning that Safonov took his place between the sticks during the Coupe de France tie against RC Lens on Sunday.

He certainly took his chance, making two saves in the penalty shootout and being awarded man of the match. “I am happy but I don’t think I am Man of the Match. Stopping penalties is something that is normal for a goalkeeper,” he told beIN Sport as PSG advanced to the next round.

Donnarumma could return for Trophée des Champions

He then detailed his first months at the Parc des Princes in a mixed-zone interview. “Paris – it’s interesting to me. It is another level and of course, I needed time to adapt. I now understand the manager’s instructions better. It is all easy for me. When I first arrived, my first training sessions were terrible because it went too quickly. I needed time to raise my level and now I am ready to play and ready to be in this team,” said Safonov.

That will not be music to the ears of Donnarumma, who according to L’Équipe, may return to first-team training ahead of the Trophée des Champions on 5th January. He will be looking to make a swift return to prevent Safonov from accruing further credit and putting his position as No.1 in further peril.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle