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Safonov Set for PSG Start Amid Language Barrier with Luis Enrique
Safonov poised for debut as PSG’s goalkeeper amid language barriers
Paris, December 15, 2025 – As the Paris Saint-Germain prepares to face Stade Rennais at the Parc des Princes for their 15th Ligue 1 match, Matvey Safonov is expected to start as the goalkeeper. The match is scheduled for Saturday evening at 21:05.
Lucas Chevalier, PSG’s regular goalkeeper, remains sidelined due to an injury he sustained last weekend at the Stade Louis II. This situation presents a perfect opportunity for the Russian goalkeeper, Safonov, to make his first official appearance of the season. However, Safonov has expressed difficulties in understanding his coach, Luis Enrique, due to language differences.
Communication challenges in PSG’s locker room
In a recent interview on the podcast Smol Talk de Fedor Smolov, Safonov shared his thoughts on the situation. "You just need to engage in conversation, even about trivial things like asking, ‘How are you?’ or ‘What did you do over the weekend?’," he stated. "I think I’d understand him better if I spoke Spanish, since many of our guys do."
Safonov elaborated on the language barrier, noting, "It’s easier for him [Luis Enrique] to speak his native language." The team does have a French interpreter, and Safonov admitted, "I haven’t learned Spanish yet. I only understand the parts spoken in French, as he [Enrique] has started learning French and speaks it quite fluently now."
Safonov’s journey at PSG
When asked about the goalkeeping situation, Coach Enrique remained elusive, avoiding a direct answer. Safonov joined PSG in June 2024 from FK Krasnodar in a deal worth approximately 20 million euros. In his debut season, he played 17 matches for PSG. Originally, the Russian international aimed to surpass Gianluigi Donnarumma and secure the top spot in PSG’s goalkeeping hierarchy upon his arrival in Paris.
As the match against Stade Rennais approaches, all eyes will be on Safonov to see if he can seize this opportunity and overcome the communication barriers that have challenged him at PSG.
