The substitution of Kepa for Mendy was surprising initially but turned out to be an absolute masterstroke from Tuchel.
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Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said that bringing Kepa Arrizabalaga on in case of a penalty shootout was something that was decided months ago. Chelsea beat Spanish side Villareal in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday. The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes and had to be settled via a penalty shootout. The substitution of Kepa for Edouard Mendy was met with a bit of surprise initially, but at the end of the day, it turned out to be an absolute masterstroke from Tuchel. The German manager said that the plan was in place from as long back as February when Chelsea had played a cup match against Barnsley.
“It was not spontaneous,” Tuchel said. “We talked about it with the goalkeepers when we came and had the first cup game against Barnsley. So we had some statistics, we were well prepared, that Kepa is the best in percentage in saving penalties. The analysis guys and the goalkeeping coaches showed me, introduced me to the data, then we spoke with the players, that this can happen when we play in a knockout game, and since then they know,” he added.
Tuchel also praised Chelsea’s regular first-choice goalkeeper Mendy for taking the decision in a mature manner. “It’s fantastic how Eddy accepts it. It’s fantastic how this talk went before the cup game in Barnsley. Since then they know. Of course, we needed to do what’s good for the team. It was necessary. I’m happy that it worked,” he said.
He was also full of praise for both his keepers and said that the two were fantastic team players. “There is proof that Kepa is better at this discipline. These guys are true team players. I am happy for Kepa and happy for Eddy, to have a goalkeeper like this, to not show the pride to not step off the field, and is happy to do it for the team, to take one for the team. It’s top,” he said.
Both goalkeepers also seemed quite happy with how things went down on Wednesday. Kepa said that he was ready for the test as he was already aware of the whole plan should a shootout situation occur. “It’s not a typical situation. Finally, we won, and we are so happy. I think all the team did a fantastic job, and we got the medal. It’s not a normal situation. But I was ready because I knew that this can happen. I try to be ready mentally, and physically,” he said.
Mendy also seemed very happy with the result. The fact that he was substituted for the team’s second-string keeper did not seem to bother the Frenchman as he revelled in his club’s first trophy of the season. “Of course I am happy because we won. We work for that, for the success, and I knew since last year if Kepa comes on the pitch, he will help the team, he did today, and I am really happy with Kepa,” he said.
“It’s teamwork, it’s a team effort. When you play for Chelsea, you play for success, for titles. We did that together, and we are happy,” Mendy concluded.
