Areola is first choice and not Buffon, says Paris Saint-Germain manager

Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed Alphonse Areola is his first choice goalkeeper and not summer signing Gianluigi Buffon.

The Ligue 1 giants signed Buffon from Juventus on a free transfer in the summer, with the veteran shot-stopper signing a two-year deal.

Buffon was widely expected to be PSG’s No.1 goalkeeper during that period but Tuchel has now confirmed the Italian will have to get used to life on the bench.

“The decision is not final, but I told Alphonse that, in my opinion, he is in pole position to be No.1,” Tuchel told RMC Sport.

“Alphonse comes from the youth academy, PSG is everything for him and he absolutely wants to prove himself here.

“This situation must be respected and capitalised on. We must have played like this who have PSG in their soul and embody the club.

“With Gianluigi, a legend and Alphonse’s idol, it is different. Both have strong personalities. We need to find-tine things.

“Gigi knows that, Alphonse know that, and if we can find a way to be generous with both, I am sure that will be rewarded.

“I am certain with both, I am sure that will be rewarded. I am certain that Alphonse will be good thanks to Gigi and not despite him.”

Areola impressed for France during the international break, winning the WhoScored Man of the Match award on his debut in a 0-0 draw with Germany.

Buffon and Areola have both started two league games each this season but Tuchel’s latest comments would indicate the latter will start more often than not.

Since making his debut for PSG during the 2012/13 campaign, Areola has kept 23 clean sheets in 53 league games.