Kepa shines as Blues make do and Mendy
EDOUARD MENDY and replacement Kepa Arrizabalaga have provided a show of solidarity after manager Thomas Tuchel’s preplanned decision to swap goalkeepers was justified by Chelsea lifting the Super Cup after a penalty shoot-out.
Senegal stopper Mendy was substituted with Kepa coming on in the closing stages of extra-time with Wednesday night’s game with Villarreal in Belfast locked at 1-1.
The camaraderie on show afterwards is a stark contrast to Kepa’s show of defiance when he stayed put when Maurizio Sarri attempted to replace him in the closing stages of their 2019 Carabao Cup final with Manchester City, the Blues going on to lose on penalties on that occasion.
This time there was a happier ending, with Kepa’s two shoot-out saves proving decisive, with Tuchel later revealing the change was a tactical one made after poring over thousands of penalties faced by Chelsea’s two goalkeepers.
Mendy, who left the field promptly and without complaint, backed Tuchel’s call.
‘We work for this success,’ he said. ‘This is teamwork, it’s a team effort.
‘When you play for Chelsea you play for success, you play for titles. We did it together and we are happy.
‘I knew since last season that if Kepa came on the pitch he would help the team like he did. I am really happy for Kepa.’ The Spain goalkeeper returned the compliments to Mendy, who had earlier made a number of important saves to keep Chelsea in the tie.
‘It’s not a typical situation,’ admitted Kepa. ‘I was ready because I knew this could happen, and I tried to be ready mentally and physically when we arrived at penalties.
‘Edou did a fantastic job before, it was a tough, tough game against a very difficult team. We won and we are so happy.
‘All the team did a fantastic job and we have the medal.’
Such a gruelling game was hardly ideal for Chelsea, who host Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener tomorrow.
After Hakim Ziyech had seen his goal cancelled out by Gerard Moreno, the Spanish side also hitting the woodwork twice in normal time but were unable to repeat their 11-10 shoot-out win over Manchester United in the Europa League final back in May.
When you play for Chelsea you play for success and titles. We did it together and we’re happy