By Tony Oji
Chelsea FC of England and Senegalese Goal Keeper, Edouard Mendy has lauded his compatriot Kepa Arrizabalaga, for his heroics saves against Villareal in the Super Cup battle, Orient Sports reports.
Kepa came off the bench to help Chelsea win the UEFA Super Cup in a penalty shootout victory after the difficult encounter tied 1-1 in the 119th minute,
Mendy who spoke after his side lifted the Super Cup, said that winning trophies is a team effort that sometimes it even requires two goalkeepers.
“I’m happy because we won,” Mendy said. “I knew since last year that if Kepa came on the pitch he would help the team. It’s a team effort. We play for Chelsea and for success. We did this today together.”
On the other hand, the Blues gaffer praised the mentality of both players, especially the promt acceptance by number one choice, Mendy after making so many saves during the before the penalty shootout.
“It was not spontaneous,” Tuchel told BT Sport after the game of his decision to use Kepa. “We talked about it with the goalkeepers after the first cup game against Barnsley [in the FA Cup last season]. We had some statistics. We were well prepared.“Kepa has the best percentage at saving penalties, the analysing guys and goalkeeping coaches showed me the data. We spoke to the players that this could happen when we play in knockout games. It’s fantastic how Edouard accepted it.
“There is proof that Kepa is better in this discipline. They’re team players. Edouard does not show the pride to not step off the field. He was happy to do it for the team and take this for the team.”
Orient Sports confirms that Chelsea will face Crystal Palace in their Premier League opener on Saturday.
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Orient Daily, August 13, 2021