Kepa Arrizabalaga says the Chelsea project was not the right one as he adjusts to life at Real Madrid. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Speaking in the press conference ahead of the Real Madrid game (h/t Football.London), Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga thinks he has had a positive season personally despite the team not doing well.
The Spaniard talked about playing more games compared to the last two seasons when he was dropped in favour of Edouard Mendy after a string of poor performances.
If we look at the numbers, the 28-year-old played a total of 29 games in the last two seasons. He has already made 32 appearances this time (Transfermarkt).
Here’s what Kepa said when asked about the season he is having (h/t Football.London):
“I think it is a positive season for me personally. I think the last two seasons I played 15 games per season. This season I am playing more. I am feeling good, I am feeling confident. I am enjoying it on the pitch. That is basic, the most important thing. The season in general is not the best one but personally I think I am happy with my season.”
The former Chelsea boss Graham Potter wanted to sign a new goalkeeper and sell Mendy and Kepa in the summer. The former has rejected the new contract offer, deeming it disrespectful.
It would now be interesting to see in which direction things go once the new permanent manager is appointed in the summer. They might have their preferences.
Although Kepa was selected after a run of bad games and an injury to Mendy, he has not looked convincing between the sticks. The shot-stopping has been good, but the command of the box isn’t there from crosses and high balls. The goal Carlos Vinicius scored for Fulham in January illustrated the Spaniard’s deficiencies in dealing with high crosses.
So, as much as he is happy to have played more this season, the weaknesses of his game have not dried up. Moreover, one would doubt that any Chelsea player should be happy with their respective seasons because of how bad things have been.
Kepa needs to be at his best if the team are to overturn a two-goal deficit against Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
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