The Paris Saint-Germain coach surprised everyone again during the match against Racing Club de Lens on Saturday (1-0).
A fan of confusing choices, Luis Enrique remains faithful to his habits. While the
Paris Saint-Germain must return to his European games this Wednesday, with the reception of Atlético de Madrid at the Parc des Princes, the Spanish technician surprised again during the last outing of the French champions.
Against Lens on Saturday, PSG consolidated its leadership position by winning by the smallest of margins (1-0). But against all expectations, Matvey Safonov was lined up in goal in place of established number 1 Gianluigi Donnarumma. A choice fully accepted by Luis Enrique.
« Safonov, un better kicking game than Donnarumma? I didn't say that”
Asked about the reasons for this decision, the PSG coach first recalled that Donnarumma was well operational, before entering into more technical considerations.
« I knew we would have a lot of difficulty due to Lens' pressing, very high pressing, the only free player in this case is the goalkeeper. I have one obsession: that all players can play. I want Safonov as prepared as Donnarumma or Tenas to play if necessary. This is the case for goalkeepers but also for all other positions.«
“I work on this every day. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don't. But I like it, I like to see the players ready. And I believe that Safonov helped generate a certain superiority, he was very good. It wasn't easy for him but I'm very happy with his performance
(…) Safonov is a very complete player and I think we had a very good match in these difficult game situations. A better kicking game than Donnarumma? I didn't say that.« Still, this choice relaunches the debate on the Italian's areas for improvement. From there to imagining a new match on the bench in a prestigious Champions League poster like the one this Wednesday, there is a step that Luis Enrique has not yet taken…
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