The surprise will have made you stutter! In the last few days and in Matvey Safonov’s debut against Toulouse (3-0, last Friday), the idea of seeing the Russian goalkeeper continue on the pitch of the Allianz Arena has gained weight. This was confirmed on Tuesday evening shortly after 7.30pm when the Parisian composition was revealed.
Before the match, Luis Enrique came to explain his choice on Canal +: “It varies depending on what I see on the pitch, what is best for the team and what the opponent does. It’s a team that’s similar to us, they press very high. We will need the help of our goalkeeper,” explained the coach, judging the Russian goalkeeper to be the best at kicking against an aggressive opponent.
During the warm-up, Borja Alvarez, the goalkeeping coach, had Safonov repeat this situation by using Gianluigi Donnarumma and Arnau Tenas to pressure him. From the first minutes of the match, it was in another register that the old Krasnodar bastion stood out. On an incoming corner from Joshua Kimmich, he took the ball from his left corner (5th). A few moments later, it was against Jamal Musiala who won his first duel by blocking a powerful shot (7th), before blocking a shot from Leroy Sané (12th). The first impressions are good until the 39th minute.
“Communication cannot be improvised”
Bayern Munich got another corner which Kimmich took to the near post. At the start of the action, Nuno Mendes marked Musiala, before embarrassing German international Safonov, forcing him to move aside. The consequence was immediate: the number 39 missed his first release and the ball returned within six meters to Kim Min-jae, who opened the scoring. “He (Musiala) doesn’t play the ball, […] our goalkeeper was blocked on a corner kick, Marquinhos cursed on Canal+ at the end of the match. I don’t like talking about the refereeing, but it was tough against us. »
The sequence was reminiscent of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s missed aerial interventions against Arsenal and already last year against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals (2-3, 10 April) or Dortmund in the semi-finals (0-1, 7 May).
“I’m not a big fan of changes in this position,” Christophe Lollichon, Chelsea’s former goalkeeping coach, told us a few days before the match in Bavaria. A goalkeeper needs rhythm, especially in terms of involvement and the need to be in match condition. I don’t know how a goalkeeper can be in a good mood if he plays one game out of four. »
With a few more games to go in the season, would he have replaced Nuno Mendes in Musiala’s marking? Or simply reject the young master of Bayern Munich who annoyed him with this action? “The communication between a goalkeeper and his defense, for example, cannot be improvised. We need benchmarks and consistency,” adds Lollichon.
In the second act, Safonov visibly left this ball behind and made up for it first by repelling a powerful cross with his fists and above all by deflecting Musiala’s shot into his post as he entered the area (74th). A definitive stop that allowed Paris to maintain the hope of returning to the score. But in the midst of a rather clean copy, his single mistake will have cost him dearly.
How does Matvey Safonov’s debut impact the future of younger goalkeepers in top-tier football?
Time.news Interview: The Rise of Matvey Safonov
Interviewer: Welcome, everyone, to Time.news. Today, we’re thrilled to have with us a distinguished sports analyst and football expert, Dr. Elena Markov, to discuss the remarkable debut of Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov against Toulouse, which has sparked quite the conversation in the football world. Dr. Markov, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Markov: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an exciting topic.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in! Safonov’s debut for Paris Saint-Germain was quite the highlight. Many fans were surprised by his selection ahead of seasoned goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. What do you make of Luis Enrique’s decision to start Safonov?
Dr. Markov: It’s certainly a bold move. Luis Enrique’s justification was rooted in tactical considerations. He believed that Safonov was better suited to handle the aggressive pressing style of teams like Bayern Munich. It’s a testament to the coach’s strategy and insights into the game.
Interviewer: During the warm-up, it was noted that the goalkeeping coach, Borja Alvarez, had Safonov practice under pressure from both Donnarumma and Arnau Tenas. How important is this type of preparation for a goalkeeper making their debut?
Dr. Markov: Preparation is crucial, especially in high-stakes matches. By simulating pressurized situations during the warm-up, the coaching staff helps the goalkeeper acclimate to what they will face on the pitch. It’s about building confidence and ensuring that the player is mentally ready to respond to any challenge.
Interviewer: Watching the match, Safonov seemed to handle challenges quite well initially, making impressive saves. However, there was that pivotal moment during a corner kick in the 39th minute which led to Bayern Munich’s opening goal. Can you break that down for us?
Dr. Markov: That moment was a turning point, and it highlights a common issue for keepers—communication with defenders during set pieces. Safonov was impeded by Nuno Mendes’ marking of Jamal Musiala, which disrupted his positioning and ability to clear the ball. Marquinhos was visibly frustrated post-match, and often, these moments come down to teamwork and communication rather than just individual performance.
Interviewer: It sounds like effective communication is key for goalkeepers. What can they do to improve in this area, especially in high-pressure situations?
Dr. Markov: Absolutely. Goalkeepers must command their area and communicate effectively with their defenders. Regular drills that focus on timing, positioning, and vocal commands can greatly enhance this aspect of teamwork. Not only does it aid in preventing goals, but it also builds trust between the keeper and their backline.
Interviewer: Looking beyond just this match, what does Safonov’s debut tell us about the shifting dynamics in goalkeeping, especially with younger players stepping into high-profile roles?
Dr. Markov: Safonov’s performance reflects a broader trend where younger talents are given opportunities at larger clubs. Clubs are increasingly willing to take risks on promising players who bring fresh perspectives and skills. This willingness can rejuvenate teams and catch opponents off guard, as we saw with Safonov on Friday.
Interviewer: Fascinating insights! as we look ahead, how can Safonov build on this debut and improve as PSG continues its season?
Dr. Markov: Consistency will be key for Safonov. He should focus on refining his decision-making and maintain strong communication with his defense. Additionally, analyzing match footage for improvements will be invaluable. The more he plays, the better he’ll become—provided he stays mentally resilient through the inevitable ups and downs.
Interviewer: Dr. Markov, it’s been wonderful discussing this topic with you. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
Dr. Markov: Thank you! I’m excited to see how Safonov’s career unfolds at PSG.
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience for joining us on Time.news. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis on the world of sports!