Former Krasnodar goalkeeper defends Matvey Safonov after 16 goals conceded

Matvey Safonov does not deserve the criticism directed at him, according to former Krasnodar goalkeeper Alexander Filtsov, after the goalkeeper conceded 16 goals in his first 12 matches of the 2026/2027 season.

Filtsov said Safonov’s team had started winning matches, including against top clubs in the Champions League, and argued that responsibility for the goals conceded should not rest solely with the goalkeeper.

“The whole team concedes goals,” Filtsov said. “They are the result of a chain of errors involving different players.”

Safonov has kept only two clean sheets in his 12 appearances this season.

Daraja Kapoor

Daraja Kapoor is a highly respected football journalist, editor and analyst, known for his compelling storytelling and sharp, data-driven insights into the game. He specialises in match analysis, features, emerging talent coverage and football trends across Africa.He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Cape Coast and has built a strong reputation in the media industry through his disciplined approach and deep understanding of football.Daraja received his journalistic training at leading news platform Ghanaguardian.com and has worked with some of the most prominent football websites in Ghana, including Footballmadeinghana.com and Ghanasoccernet.com. He also served as Sports Editor of Talysports.com, where he played a key role in shaping editorial direction and content strategy.He is currently the Managing Editor of African.Football, where he leads the platform’s editorial vision, overseeing content production, quality control and the delivery of authoritative African football coverage to a global audience.

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