PSG: Matvey Safonov’s sensational statements

You may have already understood it if you have read the first feedback on the personality of Matvey Safonov, the new goalkeeper recruited by PSG. The latter has quite a character. And if you doubted it, we invite you to go watch his interview on the Nobel Youtube channel, which is particularly interesting. Where we learn for example that he never wanted an agent and hired lawyers to negotiate his transfer to PSG. “It also allowed PSG to save money”he says.

Where he admits to feeling a natural pressure, due to his Russian nationality, given the explosive geopolitical context due to the war led by Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. “But all Russian athletes are under pressure, and I have to know how to handle it.”he assures. But what transpires from this long interview is above all Safonov’s boundless self-confidence, who does not hesitate to send his interlocutor back to the ropes with almost every question. When the latter asks him if he is ready to be Gianluigi Donnarumma’s understudy, Safonov replies: “But who told you that? No one told me that.”.

“I’m going to fight him all the time”

Then he continues at greater length. “Nobody ever told me I was number two. I came to Paris to fight. I want to play football. Even if they had told me I was number two, I wouldn’t have listened to them. It’s up to me to give my best. I don’t see myself as a number two. I don’t want to be a substitute. If they put me as number two, it won’t be easy for the number one… I’m going to fight with him all the time. I’ve never lost a competition. I’ve always been the number one goalkeeper. In Krasnodar, I’ve always been number one. In the national team, I was a substitute in the first match, then I became the number one goalkeeper. I’ve always been number one until now. I can’t be a substitute. (…) I’m Russian and nobody knows me here in France. Maybe they don’t plan on putting me number one right away. But I believe in it.”.

The message is clear, Safonov is not coming to make up the numbers, but to compete head-on with Donnarumma, author of an excellent match last night with Italy against Croatia. The presenter, who does not lose heart despite Safonov’s reactions, tells him that PSG was looking for a goalkeeper with good footwork, which is not recognized as one of his strong points. To which Safonov responds: “I can still improve. I have to rely on my strengths, but I am sure that I can improve my footwork. This talent was not required in Krasnodar.” Safonov has no doubts, Donnarumma has been warned.