Thomas Tuchel explains why Kepa was so poor under Frank Lampard’s management

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Newly appointed Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel believes the reason for Kepa Arrizabalaga’s poor performances under Frank Lampard were because he felt the pressure of the fee the Blues paid for him.

Tuchel who was appointed after Frank Lampard got the sack and according to the Metro said: ‘He will play [against Barnsley]. From outside, of course we had a view on his situation and some difficulties on the sporting side. Maybe, also, the circumstances of his transfer are a little bit on his shoulders. That was the impression from far away, from outside.

Photo courtesy of Michael Regan

‘The good thing for him is that we start new, that this is a new start for him because I don’t have a history with him and I hope there will be no difficulties and I don’t see them coming.

When the German was asked if he believes Kepa can turnaround his situation at Chelsea, Tuchel replied: ‘Absolutely. Today, I absolutely believe this. ‘It is our job to push the guy to the limit. And we are pretty selfish because we want to have them in the best shape on the pitch.

‘Of course, the club want the market value to stay or increase but for me it is pretty selfish, we want the guy in the best shape and we want the best competition in any position.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

‘From inside, I see a nice guy, a nice personality, an open personality. A hard working guy with, obviously, a lot of quality. He deserves to be here. He’s a sports guy who loves competition, he does everything to impress in training.

‘I want him to play a normal match. He does not have to show me or anybody else that he is ready to be Spain’s number one in the summer. He has just to show his quality. Not more and not less. It is normal that he has higher goals to achieve in his personal ambition, that’s why he is here.’

Kepa has yet to start under Tuchel with Edouard Mendy being the German’s first choice but the 47-year-old has handed the Spanish keeper an olive branch and will start the 26-year-old against Barnsley in the FA Cup on Thursday night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Stories Chelsea FA Cup football Frank Lampard Kepa Arrizabalaga Premier League Thomas Tuchel