Former Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero has revealed he was set to make an appearance in the Champions League final against Manchester City.
Caballero, formerly of Man City too, of course, has been speaking to Goal in an exclusive interview reflecting on his departure from Chelsea over the summertime.
The Argentine spent four seasons on Chelsea’s books, with his most memorable moment being the Champions League win at the tail end of last season.
Caballero revealed to Goal that, were the fixture to have headed to a penalty shootout, he’d have been on the pitch hoping to become the hero in Porto:
“It’s incredible because ahead of Manchester City [in the Champions League final], he watched all the penalties that were being executed during training with the scouts of Chelsea.”
“He considered an opportunity for me to be in the penalty shootout if that situation arrived in the final. He thought my emotion of being a Man City player before would also help.”
“Because of this, he thought I might be a bit ahead of Kepa. He told me in this match that I would be the option.”
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BenchWarmers’ view
For goalkeepers it’s a different matter entirely. Louis Van Gaal’s decision to bring on Tim Krul at the World Cup is an instance that sticks in the mind.
Thomas Tuchel also recently subbed on Kepa Arrizabalaga for the UEFA Super Cup shootout, with the Spaniard saving the decisive penalty from Raul Albiol.
It’s a gusty decision from any manager, with Tuchel clearly having the cojones to do it. Caballero would have been a questionable choice in such a pivotal situation, though…