Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga has admitted it was very difficult biting his lip and staying quiet during his long spell on the bench.
Blues goalkeeper Kepa, who joined back in 2018, had a turbulent first two years in English football where he came under severe of criticism for his performances.
Since Edouard Mendy joined in 2020, Kepa has been used as Chelsea’s second-choice keeper and spent most of his time out of the starting line-up.
However, the appointment of Graham Potter as the club’s new head coach last month has changed everything.
Kepa has now started all nine games in-between the sticks since Potter took charge, regaining the number one spot ahead of Mendy.
The 28-year-old is now back in favour at the Bridge and is putting in some impressive performances. For example, Iker Casillas hailed his display against Red Bull Salzburg earlier this week.
Kepa biting his lip
Kepa has explained he had to endure some rough times out in the wildness at Chelsea.
In fact, he suggests it was hard staying quiet when he was regularly overlooked for the starting XI.
His fortune has completely changed around now, though.
Kepa said, as quoted by Football Daily: “I had something like 18 months or nearly two years where I played less. It’s that moment when you have to believe in yourself. Working in silence when you’re not playing is not easy. When you have the opportunity, take it.”
Kepa deserves so much credit for sticking with it during what must have been a torturous couple of years.
He’s been part of a Blues group that has enjoyed some real highs recently, but he’ll have wanted to actually be out on the pitch contributing with his teammates.
Not many goalkeepers would have the mental toughness to fight back and regain their starting position off a player with the individual class of Mendy.
It’s fair to say some question marks were emerging around Mendy’s form, but his record speaks for itself.
Kepa looks immovable from the starting team for the short-term future.
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