‘Tuchel finally reveals ‘strong reason’ for subbing Mendy for Kepa in Super Cup victory
Chelsea second Keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was the hero for Chelsea in the Super Cup, saving two penalties as the Blues emerged victorious against Villarreal.
Kepa kept out Aissa Mandi and Raul Albiol as the Blues emerged victorious by six penalties to five after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has explained why he brought on Kepa in place of Edouard Mendy before the penalty shootout.
“When we came to Chelsea and we had the first cup game against Barnsley, we got the statistics and we were prepared,” Tuchel said.
“Kepa had the best percentage at saving penalties. The analysis guys and the goalkeeper coaches showed me the data, then we spoke with the players that this [substitution] could happen when we play knockout games.
“Since then they have known. It’s fantastic how Edou accepts it, and it’s fantastic how the talk went on the morning before the cup game in Barnsley. These guys are true team players. I’m happy for Kepa and I’m happy for Edou.”