Edouard Mendy will leave for AFCON duty early next year, and Kepa Arrizabalaga looks confident enough to take over at Chelsea.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga claims that he is mentally prepared to take over Thomas Tuchel’s No.1 choice Edouard Mendy, as the Senegalese will fly to AFCON duty.
From the beginning of January, Mendy will miss out on up to four weeks for the Blues, as the African Cup of Nations will initiate. Meanwhile, Kepa will have time to resettle at his position at Stamford Bridge.
His recent heroics in the EFL Cup clash against Southampton impressed the vivid supporters of Chelsea. Although, the Spaniard has always been a penalty expert.
Kepa, however, just appeared for the fourth time this season in the win over the Saints last night. But, Mendy’s long journey for his national duty will provide the No.2 goalkeeper with the much-needed opportunity.
Still fighting for that spot. 🧤👊
Kepa believes that he is fit for the forthcoming chance as he said: “Well, it’s two months away. Of course, we know it can happen. And I will be ready but we have a lot of games until we start thinking about that.”
“Let’s go step by step and we’ll see what happens. If he goes to the African Cup, all the best and I’ll be ready. But it’s still a long way to arrive at that point.”
Talking about last night’s penalty drama, he added: “I’ve always said I try to help the team in the best way. But I do feel really good at penalties. I feel confident. It’s a bit of luck, a bit of work, a bit of everything but I feel really good.”
“Of course I want to play more regularly. My last game was also a cup game, more or less a month ago. So it’s not easy to sometimes step in and feel the same as you would if you play every week.”
“But I try to be ready, train hard, be involved in the team. Also, I feel the confidence of the manager – this is really important. I’ve felt his support from the beginning and I think when I step in I’m ready to help the team. I’m happy to do that.”
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