Time to leave Paris: Safonov should not remain on the bench

It is time for Matvei Safonov to leave Paris. This is not his weakness, on the contrary, he is too strong to become a player who just gathers dust on the bench.

Last season, Safonov played in several matches, made a number of saves, kept seven clean sheets, and won awards. Such results are not typical of an ordinary reserve footballer.

He came to Europe to overcome challenges and he found them. However, team head coach Luis Enrique has appointed the French goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier as his main choice.

Enrique has openly said that he considers Chevalier a long-term project. Currently, Chevalier is defending the goal line in all competitions, while Safonov is not being fielded even in national cup games.

According to L’Équipe commentator Ugo Delom, Safonov is currently considered "number two" and can only get his chance if Chevalier gets injured or makes a serious mistake. Safonov has endured this situation.

At first, he emphasized that he came to Europe to overcome difficulties, but later he expressed dissatisfaction with remaining on the bench. Now he is openly stating that he is not satisfied with the lack of playing time.

According to GOAL, the PSG management is displeased with Safonov’s public statements and this situation is damaging the reputation of the European champions. Because by the end of October, Safonov had not played at all.

No goalkeeper can develop by staying on the bench for a long time. Chevalier’s skills are not bad.

He stands out with his movements in front of the goal and long passes. But he has also been observed to lose tempo and make mistakes when coming out.

Former world champion Lionel Charbonnier admitted on the "After Foot" program that Chevalier is not yet fully ready for the goal and said he should not have conceded the second goal in the match against Strasbourg. He reminded that Luis Enrique earlier moved Donnarumma to the bench and gave Safonov a chance.

So, another opportunity may arise. There is much talk around Matvei Safonov.

According to Live Foot, PSG sporting director Luis Campos is negotiating with other teams. According to the latest rumors, Safonov may be loaned to Spain or Portugal.

Even though "Sporting" rejected this option, clubs like "Valencia" and "Braga" may be logical options for Safonov. Former footballer Aleksandr Mostovoy also shared his opinion: "If you want awards, stay; if you want to play on the field, look for another club." Safonov, for his part, has openly stated that he does not plan to return to Russia.

He came to Europe to overcome difficulties and does not want to return yet. This is the right decision, but training alone cannot provide match experience.

Safonov has already won a number of trophies. He has not lost competitiveness on the pitch, on the contrary, he does not fit the project's ideology.

This is another matter. Ideological decisions can only be changed through transfers.

Therefore, the right way is to move to a new team during the winter transfer window. It is time to move to another league on loan.

In Paris, Safonov proved he could be part of the European champions. Now it is time for him to prove he is a number one goalkeeper again.

Every goalkeeper must ask himself the question: at 26, is it more important to play on the field or sit on the bench of a dream club? Read “Zamin” on Telegram!