Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has defended his surprising decision to leave out star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from the squad for the UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham, insisting the move was driven by tactical considerations rather than a reflection on the player’s ability.
The 26-year-old Italian, who was instrumental in PSG’s Champions League triumph last season, did not travel with the squad to Udine.
Instead, Lucas Chevalier and Renato Marin were selected as the club’s goalkeeping options. The decision has raised eyebrows across Europe, with Donnarumma widely regarded as one of the world’s finest shot-stoppers and a cornerstone of PSG’s recent success.
Donnarumma himself expressed his disappointment through a social media post, admitting he felt “disheartened” by the omission. His message immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits about his future at the club, especially given his status as a Champions League-winning goalkeeper and first-choice for Italy.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Luis Enrique sought to clarify the reasons behind the call.
“It is a difficult decision,” Enrique admitted. “I only have praise for Donnarumma. He is one of the very best goalkeepers out there and an even better man. But we were looking for a different profile. It’s very difficult to take these types of decisions.”
The Spaniard added that the club was fully aligned with his thinking. “I am supported by my club and we are trying to find the best solution. These decisions are always tough, especially when they concern players who have contributed so much to our success.”
Observers believe the coach may be seeking a goalkeeper with stronger distribution skills, given Enrique’s emphasis on building play from the back. Donnarumma, while exceptional in shot-stopping and commanding the penalty area, has occasionally faced criticism over his ball-playing under pressure.
The timing of the decision, however, has surprised many. PSG will face Tottenham in a highly anticipated UEFA Super Cup encounter, where Donnarumma’s big-match experience could have been an asset. Instead, the responsibility falls on Chevalier and Marin, both of whom are relatively untested at this level.
For Donnarumma, the snub marks a rare setback in a career that has largely been defined by early promise and elite performances. Having joined PSG from AC Milan in 2021, he quickly cemented his place as the club’s No.1 and was central to their European glory.
While Enrique emphasized that the decision was purely tactical, speculation is already mounting about the long-term implications for Donnarumma’s role at PSG. With the transfer window still open, rumours of interest from other top European clubs are unlikely to fade.
For now, PSG fans will watch closely to see whether this is a one-off strategic decision or the start of a deeper reshuffle in Enrique’s goalkeeping plans.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members