Tuchel, Buffon set to clash as PSG manager drops Italian as first choice

Paris Saint-Germain manager, Thomas Tuchel and Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon appear to be on a collision course because of the rise of Alphonse Areola.

Buffon joined PSG from Juventus in the summer as a free agent and was expected to be first choice this season, especially following the exit of Kevin Trapp.

The Italian legend started the first three matches of the campaign, before Areola only returned to the club after an extended holiday following France’s World Cup success.

But Areola, 25, has since started the last three games.

Tuchel has now admitted that Areola, who has spent four-and-a-half of the last five seasons as a first choice either on loan or at PSG, is in a position where he must have regular action.

“Yes I chose. The decision is not final but I told Alphonse that he was in my opinion in pole position to be number 1,” Tuchel told RMC Sports.

“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.

“Gigi would have the right to cross his arms on the bench and watch the game but he does not – he supports! It’s frenetic! He is present, he communicates with the players, tries to help me… and you understand why he is at the top and has such a career.”