Frank Lampard expresses support to Kepa Arrizabalaga as Edouard Mendy nears transfer
According to the Express, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard declared that he is happy with under-fire goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spaniard returned to the starting line-up for our season opener to Brighton at the Amex Stadium. He had been relegated to the bench in the final few games last season.
Kepa made a couple of good stops but failed to prevent Leandro Trossard from equalizing in the second half. Thankfully, goals from Reece James and Kurt Zouma turned the ride in our favour.
The Spaniard did struggle at times while coming to claim set-pieces and in showing authority inside the box. With Rennes star Edouard Mendy closing in on a switch to the Bridge, Kepa cannot afford to slack off.
According to the report, Mendy will compete with Kepa for the starting position rather than serve as his understudy.
The 28-year-old was in London on Monday to undergo a medical ahead of a deal that could rise to as much as £23million.
Trossard’s goal was the 19th time that Kepa has let in a shot from outside the area since joining Chelsea.
Lampard backed his goalkeeper and pointed out that he could have hardly done anything more to stop the goal.
“I’m not sure if he could’ve done any better but I saw a bit more confidence in how he was playing.”
The Blues boss also hinted at incoming competition for his number one. Hopefully, it will push the Spaniard to hit the heights we know he is capable of.
“I’m happy with him, Kepa is here, he is our keeper and I am happy with him. If we are bringing in competition, it will be competition.”
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Chelsea next face champions Liverpool in their first home game of the season at the Bridge. It will be an early test as to how far we have come since last season.