Matvey Safonov: "Stay grounded"
Men's football•
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov spoke about the upcoming UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest on 30 May.
Matvey, ten days out from the final, how are you feeling?
“Today, we’re starting our preparations for this match. Of course, everyone’s thinking about the final and the next ten days will be very interesting. But I think we also need to stay calm. We need to find a way to stay focused on the match, but also remain composed during our preparations. We must carry on working as usual while making the most of this extra time to prepare for this very important match.”
The coach talks a lot about managing emotions. Is that how you feel too?
“I think it’s a good thing to have had two weeks between our last match and this final because it allows us to be more relaxed. We can stay grounded, and that’s very important. Winning the league is also a huge boost because it means we can approach this final in a very positive frame of mind. I hope that after these ten days we’ll be 100% ready.”
What has been the most striking moment in the Champions League this season?
“It’s hard to pick just one moment because this Champions League campaign has been incredible. But I’d say the first leg of the semi-final against Bayern. It was an incredible experience. I hope to experience more matches like that in my career. I’ll cherish that memory for a long time.”