Kepa Arrizabalaga’s self-assurance has shot back up thanks to the arrival of Thomas Tuchel.
This is the opinion of former Blues goalkeeper Rob Green, who noted the Spaniard’s improved confidence in a conversation with football.london.
Curious case of Kepa
There is absolutely no denying that Tuchel’s introduction just over 12 months ago can be pint pointed as the moment Kepa’s shattered demeanour was picked up off the floor.
Before the German took over from Frank Lampard, the club’s number one ‘keeper had become something of a laughing stock.
He constantly faced a barrage of criticism from the media and most supporters, thanks to a string of errors and poor performances.
At stages during Lampard’s debut season, even the aged figure of Willy Caballero was preferred to his younger co-worker.
Edouard Mendy’s move from Rennes was the final nail in Kepa’s coffin.
It resigned the world’s most expensive shot-stopper to the role of backup.
His first spell at Stamford Bridge under Maurizio Sarri, where he kept a respectable 23 clean sheets across all competitions, faded into the distance.
Tuchel is the man to thank
However, with the latest manager in place, a fresh wave of optimism covered the club.
Players previously excluded from the old regime were thrust back into the spotlight.
Including Kepa, who despite still acting as cover for Mendy, was given a new lease of life.
A theme that has carried on into the current campaign.
“Under Sarri, he came into a Chelsea side that was focused on controlling the game, controlling the ball, getting Jorginho to play 600 passes or whatever,” said Green of Kepa’s previous masters.
“That was the focus of the game. Like it or lump it, love it or hate it, that’s what Sarri’s game was about.
“With that, you have an element of control within the goalkeeping world that certain things are going to happen within a game.
“Frank’s game took it away from that. It was a lot more exciting…
“If you’re playing in games like that week in, week out while trying to also implement your own game, it’s very difficult as a goalkeeper. It was also something he’d probably never come across before.
“Now he has come back into the Chelsea side under Tuchel, who moved to a back three because it gives control, who has Jorginho back in the centre, and all of a sudden he is looking back to his old self.”
More of Kepa whilst Mendy is away
Kepa has stepped up on several occasions this term.
He became the penalty hero in the UEFA Super Cup final, before doing so twice again in the Carabao Cup.
The gloved guardian also deputised admirably for Mendy in the Premier League whilst the latter was away on African Cup of Nation duty.
Senegal reached the final last night, meaning Kepa will have the main goalkeeping responsibilities for a little while longer.
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