Thomas Tuchel, manager of Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, has confirmed which of his goalkeepers is currently viewed as first-choice.
PSG’s goalkeeping situation. The French champions secured quite a coup between the posts during the summer, in sealing Gianluigi Buffon’s signature following the expiration of his contract with Juventus.
The Italian was signed under the widespread assumption that he would automatically be handed the first-choice gloves in Paris.
PSG have had problems in the goalkeeping position for several seasons now, with neither Kevin Trapp or Alphonse Areola having, to this point, proven that they are capable of leading a side with ambitions to win the Champions League.
‘PSG is everything for him’ .Nevertheless, though, as confirmed by Thomas Tuchel today, new signing Buffon is currently not viewed as first-choice at the Parc des Princes.
Speaking in an interview , Tuchel, who replaced Unai Emery as PSG’s manager this summer, was questioned on the battle for supremacy between his two shot-stoppers.
To this point in the campaign, Buffon and Areola have started 2 games each in Ligue 1.
However, when it matters, the latter will be handed starting duties as things stand, with Tuchel citing Areola’s PSG roots and love for the club as reasoning for his decision:
‘Yes I chose. The decision is not final but I told Alphonse that he was in my opinion in pole-position to be no.1.’
‘He comes from the academy. PSG is everything for him. And he absolutely wants to prove himself to PSG. This is a situation that must be respected and capitalised on. We must be proud to have players of this nature, we need this type of players who have the soul of PSG, who embody the club.’
‘We have a different situation with Gianluigi Buffon, a legend, an idol of Alphonse who is at his side. Both players have very strong personalities. We will have to fine-tune things. Gigi knows it, Alphonse knows it, if you get there, in this configuration, to be smart and generous with both, I’m sure we’ll be rewarded. And I’m sure that Alphonse will not be good despite Gigi but thanks to Gigi.’