“I hope to play more”: Chelsea star admits he is no longer afraid following tough few months

Kepa Arrizabalaga admits he is not afraid anymore at Chelsea

Speaking to Spanish outlet COPE (h/t Daily Mail), Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has opened up on his current situation at the club.

The Spaniard has endured a rough couple of years that has seen his confidence and standing dip. This saw him fall behind Edouard Mendy in the Blues pecking order this season.

With Frank Lampard now gone and Thomas Tuchel at the helm, a new sunrise is dawning at the Bridge. This brings with it new opportunities and Kepa is keen to take them.

Kepa Arrizabalaga in action for Chelsea. (GETTY Images)
Kepa Arrizabalaga in action for Chelsea. (GETTY Images)

Kepa admits that life was difficult at the club just three months ago. However, he never had any intention of leaving the club.

“It has been a complicated year for a number of reasons. But I have never thought about leaving Chelsea.”

The 26-year-old also played down talk of any problems with Lampard. While he admits he was far from his best under the Englishman, the duo appears to have gotten on just fine.

“I did not have any problems with Lampard. It’s true that I did not give the best version of myself or play as I would have wanted. But we never had any issue.”

Kepa Arrizabalaga was unconvincing for Chelsea
Kepa had no problems with Lampard at Chelsea

Fearless!

Kepa is now keen to play a bigger role and is not held back by fear anymore. Hopefully, he will go on to showcase just why the club made a world record bid to land him just three years ago.

“I hope to play more and I am no longer afraid and want to play an important part for Chelsea.”

Mendy has done well so far and will be an obstacle for Kepa to overcome if he is to turn around his Chelsea career. Adversity makes one stronger and Kepa has a chance to showcase just that.

Chelsea signed Edouard Mendy in the summer
Chelsea signed Edouard Mendy in the summer

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Kepa was a surprise starter in goal for Chelsea’s last Premier League game against Newcastle United. He kept a clean sheet and was overall solid if unspectacular.

Speaking after the game Tuchel confirmed that Mendy is still the club’s number one choice. Whether Kepa can help change that opinion remains to be seen.