Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Luis Enrique has strongly defended his goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier, ahead of their Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen. The Spanish coach expressed full confidence in the 22-year-old, who joined PSG from Lille during the recent transfer season and has since become the first-choice goalkeeper, ahead of Russian player Matvei Safonov.
Enrique's remarks came during a press conference on Monday, as the team prepared to face Bayer Leverkusen in Germany for their Tuesday match. He told reporters, "For me, he's one of the best options, if not the best". He further emphasized Chevalier's strong mentality and the high level of performance he has demonstrated. "He has shown personality," Enrique stated, adding, "When you are the PSG goalkeeper, you have to learn to live with the criticism. I like Lucas's mentality and the level he's showing. We are very confident he'll be important for years to come".
The PSG boss also took the opportunity to address the media's past treatment of former PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who departed for Manchester City after helping PSG win the European Cup last season. "I think you don't remember how many years you criticised Gigio Donnarumma. For four years, you killed him sportingly," Enrique added. He seemed to suggest that Chevalier would also have to endure similar scrutiny as the PSG goalkeeper, referencing the criticism Donnarumma faced during his time with the club.
Chevalier's arrival at PSG and immediate claim to the first-team spot followed Donnarumma's exit and a Super Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Enrique lauded Chevalier's debut performance back in August, while also acknowledging the challenges of replacing a player like Donnarumma.
However, Chevalier has faced some criticism recently, particularly after a 3-3 draw against Strasbourg. Former goalkeeper Lionel Charbonnier criticized Chevalier's lack of charisma and specific errors made during the game, saying "For me, for the moment, the suit is too big for Chevalier". Despite this, Luis Enrique has remained steadfast in his support, praising Chevalier's personality and his performances in both training and matches.
PSG enters the match against Bayer Leverkusen with a perfect start to their Champions League title defense, having won against Barcelona and Atalanta. They are aiming to secure their third consecutive win in the Champions League. In the expanded 36-team league phase, PSG has already collected six points from their first two games. "We're looking for the same thing as last season: to get as many points as possible in what is a very difficult league phase," Luis Enrique said. "We're happy to have won our first two matches, but tomorrow will be a different kind of test".
Bayer Leverkusen, now managed by Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand, replaced Erik ten Hag and are currently fifth in the Bundesliga standings. Leverkusen is unbeaten in seven games since Hjulmand took over. Luis Enrique acknowledged the challenge that Leverkusen presents, especially with the changes they have undergone. "It's difficult to assess Leverkusen," Enrique said. "Leverkusen has signed 20 new players, plus the manager...it's a team with a manager and they find it easy to score goals, they have quality and they can also sit deep and put pressure on their opponents".
Ousmane Dembele has also returned to the squad, while Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves are doubtful. PSG will look to continue their winning streak in the Champions League, while Leverkusen seeks their first win in the tournament this season.
