Graham Potter reveals how Edouard Mendy has responded to Kepa starting games for Chelsea
Speaking in the press conference ahead of the Aston Villa game (h/t Football.London), Chelsea manager Graham Potter revealed how Edouard Mendy has responded to Kepa Arrizabalaga starting games ahead of him.
Kepa has started every game under Potter so far and has done reasonably well with three clean sheets in five games. Mendy was injured during the game against West Ham United last month, offering the Spaniard a chance to take over the number-one duty.
The Senegal international has been back fit and available for selection in the last couple of games, but Kepa has kept hold of his place in the team.
Here’s what Potter said regarding Mendy’s reaction to the Spaniard starting ahead of him (h/t Football.London):
“He’s been great, attitude fantastic, and supporting the team. He was obviously injured when I arrived and Kepa has played, done well and contributed to positive results. We’re in the situation now where we have two really good goalkeepers in the competition and that is what we need to push each other along.”
The quote does give away an indication that the manager has not pre-decided on who his number one goalkeeper would be. When he arrived, Kepa was available and he has selected him for every game so far. The fact that Chelsea are winning and the Spaniard is keeping clean sheets, makes it an easy decision for Potter to continue with him.
This is no mark on Mendy’s qualities though. The 2022 AFCON winner did very well for the Blues in the last two seasons. His form this season was a bit uncertain, but that can happen to any goalkeeper.
It remains to be seen whether Potter will twist as soon as Kepa makes any mistake or if will he will give the Spaniard an extended time to show his worth.
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For now, Mendy has to keep himself fit and wait for the opportunity. It is what Kepa was doing when the Senegal international took his place in the beginning phase of the 2020/21 season.
Chelsea face Aston Villa next and Potter is not expected to make any changes to his goalkeeping personnel as of yet.