The head coach of the Russian national football team, Valery Karpin, spoke about the ongoing communication situation with PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, revealing that dialogue has not deepened at the national team headquarters known as Championships. The veteran coach described interactions with Safonov as brief and sporadic, noting that the two have not yet established a closer, more personal connection during official gatherings. In Karpin’s view, the situation is not unusual in the busy schedule that accompanies international camps, travel, and training sessions. Still, there is a sense of anticipation about how the goalkeeper, who has spent time with Krasnodar, will adapt to life with Paris Saint-Germain and the environment of top European football. The coach stressed that communication matters, but it remains clear that Safonov continues to participate in national team duties and focuses on the tasks ahead on the field.
On June 14, PSG confirmed the transfer of Safonov from Krasnodar, a move that signaled a new chapter in the goalkeeper’s career. The transfer news came amid broader discussions around Safonov’s availability and readiness to join a club with different training methods, language, and expectations. Earlier reports noted a legal hurdle: a ban on leaving Russia tied to alimony debts that exceeded 60 million rubles. The restriction went into effect on June 6 while Safonov was in Minsk with the national squad for a friendly against Belarus, a match that Russia won decisively with a 4:0 scoreline. After the game, Safonov returned to Russia with the team as authorities continued to resolve the travel limitation. Subsequent developments indicated that the travel ban had been lifted, allowing the goalkeeper to pursue opportunities abroad and begin integrating into his new club environment.
The national team subsequently called Safonov to participate in friendly matches scheduled for September. The roster includes responsibilities at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam, where the team is slated to face Vietnam on September 5. A follow-up fixture against Thailand is planned for September 7. Both matches are set to kick off at 16:00 Moscow time, presenting a chance for the squad to test tactics and deepen player chemistry ahead of more competitive fixtures later in the year. The selection of venues and opponents reflects a strategic approach to evaluating and integrating players who are crossing into different leagues, while still maintaining focus on national team performance and continuity under Karpin’s leadership. The squad continues to balance domestic league form with international responsibilities, aiming to build consistency and depth across the squad during this cycle of fixtures.
Safonov, a player who has drawn attention for his performances in Russia and abroad, remains a key figure in discussions about succession plans and depth in the goalkeeper position. The transfer to PSG highlights the growing trend of Russian talents moving to Western European clubs, where exposure to high-level competition can influence development and readiness for national team duties. Observers note that Safonov’s experiences in France, combined with his international appearances, may contribute to a broader understanding of the game from different tactical perspectives. The evolving dynamic between club commitments and national team responsibilities continues to shape Karpin’s plans for the squad, with ongoing evaluation of factors such as form, adaptability, and leadership within the group. The football community watches closely to see how Safonov will balance club obligations with international duty in the upcoming seasons, and how his presence in PSG might influence the perception of Russian goalkeepers on the global stage.
Safonov’s current status and future contributions are discussed in the context of his role with the national team and his aspirations at PSG. The questions that linger center on how soon he will settle into life in France, how the club environment will impact his development, and how the goalkeeper will respond to the higher level of competition. As September approaches, coaches, analysts, and fans alike anticipate progress updates from the national team camp, with particular interest in how the goalkeeper will adapt to different coaching styles and tactical expectations. In the meantime, Karpin remains focused on preparing the squad for the October window of fixtures, ensuring that all players are ready to deliver performances that reflect the ambition and resilience of Russian football on the international stage.
Safonov’s journey, marked by moves between domestic and international clubs, continues to be a topic of discussion among supporters and commentators. The conversation centers on his development path, the challenges of adjusting to a new league, and the opportunities that come with competing at a club like PSG. While the exact timetable for Safonov’s first appearances with his new club might vary, the overarching narrative is one of growth, adaptation, and the pursuit of excellence within a demanding football ecosystem. The national team, meanwhile, remains committed to building a cohesive unit that can compete successfully in September and beyond, drawing on the wealth of talent available and the experiences players bring from different leagues. In this evolving story, Safonov’s experiences in Russia, Minsk, and France are all pieces of a larger puzzle about goalkeeping depth and the strategic planning that underpins successful national teams on the world stage.