Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy claimed that he has a cordial relationship with Kepa Arrizabalaga despite fighting for the number 1 Jersey at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea has two exceptional goalkeepers and both of them have been playing exceptionally well this season. Their current form have given a headache to their manager Thomas Tuchel in terms of selection.
While the Senegalese custodian is still considered as the first choice goalkeeper, during his time at the Africa Cup of Nation, Kepa Arrizabalaga took charge of the goal and did a great job for the Blues.
The Spaniard who has been marred by several controversies in the past was sensational in his stop-gap role. Some people even felt that Kepa should keep his place in the starting eleven. But when Mendy returned, he took over the gloves at Chelsea after returning from International duties.
Chelsea are set to face French outfit LOSC Lille in the knockouts at Stamford Bridge. There Edouard Mendy was quizzed about the situation with Kep at the press conference. The Senegalese custodian highlighted how they are on good terms have no issues with the Spaniard on or off the field.
“My relationship with Kepa is good since I came here. We have a good relationship on and off the pitch. He did really well when I was at Afcon but it didn’t surprise me because I saw him every day at training. I was super happy for him because he deserves it. When you play for Chelsea, you have competition in every position so you have to give your best and play at your highest level to be in the team at the weekend.,” Mendy replied.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel also thanked Kepa Arrizabalaga for his services during the time Mendy was away with the Senegal national team for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Tuchel highlighted how it was difficult for him to again play Mendy at the Club World Cup. He felt it was a harsh decision for the German tactician to put Mendy again in between the sticks.
“Full credit to Kepa. He is an outstanding character, a fantastic team player. Did not experience many players who have the capacity to cope with the situation like he did. In the end, he comes at stronger of the situation than ever which is very nice to see because I can only say thank you on an almost daily basis of how much he gives to the team and how much he gives as a team player,” Tuchel revealed.
Tuchel reminisced how Kepa Arrizablaga played a huge part in their semifinal win. The Spaniard came up with some big saves but they had to go with their intuition not thinking about the round.
“It was an incredibly hard decision because he was a huge part in the semi-final to bring us to the final, with two or three big saves. Still, we would’ve done the same thing if it was the other way round.”
Mendy will once again take the field for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup finals against Liverpool. Edouard Mendy will once again take the field for the Blues and will hope to get another silverware to their illustrious cabinet.
