Former Russian national team goalkeeper Ruslan Pimenov weighed in on Matvey Safonov’s situation at Paris Saint-Germain, saying the young keeper will get a real chance to establish himself as a regular in PSG’s goal. Pimenov framed Safonov’s path as one defined by performance and consistency rather than waiting for opponents to err. He noted that PSG’s calendar is packed with domestic league fixtures, cup commitments, and European ties, which means opportunities will surface across different competitions. The message to North American fans following European football is clear: the club is backing Safonov, and his chances will come if he maintains steady form and composure when called upon.
According to Pimenov, Safonov should stay focused on his own game and not rely on others’ mistakes to create openings. He emphasized that the keeper will face a demanding schedule at PSG, with several upcoming games across Ligue 1 and possibly continental competitions. The veteran pointed out that the competition for the goalkeeper position at a club of Paris’s stature is fierce, and the door remains ajar for Safonov to seize regular playing time by delivering consistent performances, handling pressure well, and showing leadership during crucial moments on the pitch.
Safonov has appeared in three matches for PSG this season. Across those outings he conceded two goals and managed to secure a clean sheet in one, reflecting both the high level of scrutiny he faces and the potential he possesses when trusted with responsibilities in goal for one of Europe’s top clubs. His three appearances have given him exposure to the intensity of Ligue 1 and the challenge of balancing domestic duties with any ongoing cup or European commitments, a learning curve that many young keepers experience when stepping into a club with PSG’s ambitions.
PSG announced Safonov’s transfer from Krasnodar on June 14, signaling the club’s intent to strengthen the goalkeeping department for upcoming campaigns. At the same time reports circulated that the goalkeeper had been temporarily forbidden to leave Russia because of alimony obligations reported to exceed 60 million rubles. The transfer news added a new layer to his career trajectory, linking a high-profile move abroad with the reality of off-field matters that athletes sometimes navigate as they pursue opportunities in top leagues.
The restriction came into effect on June 6 while Safonov was with the Russian national team in Minsk for a training camp ahead of a friendly against Belarus, a match Russia won convincingly. He returned to Russia with the squad, and it was later reported that the travel ban had been lifted. The episode underscored the external pressures that can intersect with a football career, even for players heading to major European clubs, and highlighted the resolve shown by Safonov as he prepared for a new chapter in Paris.
Earlier in his time with PSG, Safonov had not started a Ligue 1 match, fueling questions about when and how he would break into the first team fresh from a high-profile transfer. The waiting period saw him focus on training, adapting to the club’s goalkeeper coaching, and building rapport with teammates and staff. For fans in Canada and the United States who follow PSG’s progress, this wait has been a reminder that even elite prospects require a gradual integration into a club where every appearance carries significant weight and where readiness and resilience are valued as much as talent.