Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga speaks on being first choice under Frank Lampard
After taking over as the starting role for Chelsea under Graham Potter and now Frank Lampard, Kepa Arrizabalaga says he is having a good season. He was dislodged from the starting position in Lampard’s first stint at Stamford Bridge, where Edouard Mendy was installed as the first-choice goalie.
Following Mendy’s injury earlier this season, the Spanish goalkeeper became the first choice between the sticks and has remained no. 1 since then.
Given his performance for Chelsea, the 28-year-old has drawn a barrage of criticism; but, against Brighton & Hove Albion, he gave up another goal that may have been prevented. Kepa did, however, make a number of excellent saves.
However, considering that Edouard Mendy could depart after the current season, Chelsea are now aiming to buy a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window.
And that Kepa, who has been Chelsea’s backup goalie majority of the game, his status might be at risk once more next season.
The former Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper (h/t Chelsea website) is choosing to look at the present rather than the past after being reinstated as Chelsea’s No. 1 in recent months. He said before the return leg against Real Madrid:
‘‘It was three years ago, it was a different situation. Everything is different. Now I am playing. Frank came here again, he is our manager and he is taking his decision every game and when he picks me to be in the starting 11, I am trying to be my best.”
Overall, he’s done decently; he can’t be held responsible for every misstep the team makes, as our defence has also been porous, though it’s now beginning to show stability.
He wasn’t majorly at fault for any of the two goals we conceded against Real Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal on April 18. We lost the tie 4-0 on aggregate but it was largely due to the hopeless defending in front of Kepa.
More Chelsea News:
- Roy Keane says Frank Lampard is lucky to become Chelsea manager again
- Luis Enrique was eager to become Chelsea manager following Graham Potter’s sacking
- Manchester City and Liverpool are eyeing Chelsea defender Levi Colwill
Lampard is here temporarily, though. It is surely going to be the decision of the next permanent manager on what to do with the 28-year-old. There are seven games left in the season. While it may seem like the campaign is over, this could be a time for players like Kepa to showcase that they deserve to be part of the Blues team that will start the next campaign.
Because given the shocking performances this season from the team, one can count Todd Boehly to make some sweeping calls in the first team and the boardroom.
