Former Russia national team head coach Guus Hiddink commented on the first time Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov and Ukrainian defender Ilya Zabarnyi played together on the field for PSG.
On Wednesday, the footballers played together for the Parisian team for the first time in a Champions League Matchday six general stage game against Athletic Bilbao (0-0).
Guus Hiddink for Telecom Asia Sport
Will Safonov and Zabarnyi playing together for PSG promote peace? All people should live in peace. I hope that one day the great leaders will adopt the same approach and become wiser... Of course, football can help, just like these two players – Safonov and Zabarnyi!
Safonov has played for PSG since July 2024, and Zabarnyi joined the Parisians in August 2025. The Russian has 19 appearances, 9 of which are clean sheets, and has conceded 13 goals. The Ukrainian defender has played 17 matches for PSG, scoring one goal.
