First in Ligue 1 with five points ahead of Nice, its runner-up, Paris Saint-Germain has been undefeated since mid-September in its kingdom. But the start of the season for Ile-de-France residents remains no less sluggish. The capital club barely qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Second in their group behind Dortmund, they will face Real Sociedad on February 14.
However, the Parisian doorman, Gianluigi Donnarumma, confided in an interview with JDD his optimism regarding the rest of the season. “We encountered some difficulties at the start of the season, which is normal with a new coach and many new players, then we managed to show the true face of Paris Saint-Germain. We are happy to finish the year in first place. »
The goalkeeper also made some statements about her coach, Luis Enrique. Arriving this summer in Paris, the Spanish coach advocates a protagonist game composed of intense pressing and risk-taking in ball exits. An area in which Gianluigi Donnarumma has often been criticized, following missed kicks.
But the 24-year-old Italian international nevertheless appreciates this philosophy: “It is for me a pleasure and a privilege to be a Luis Enrique player. He is a great coach, who makes his teams play well. He wants his players to dominate, to always play with the ball. If you make a mistake, he will tell you that it’s normal, that you are not a robot. »
Donnarumma admits that being a PSG goalkeeper is “the most beautiful” job in the world. Before adding with a laugh: “But it’s also the most difficult. As soon as the goalkeeper makes a mistake, it quickly becomes very complicated.” Facing Camille Choquier, he explains: “The big difference for me between the football of your time and that of today is the kicking game. There are more tactics, in the six meters we sometimes make more risky passes. »
Not holding a grudge, Gianluigi Donnarumma also wanted to thank the supporters, even if they regularly criticize him for his mistakes. “It’s truly a privilege to play at the Parc des Princes, it’s one of the most beautiful atmospheres in Europe. »
