🇪🇸 Kepa Arrizabalaga

[Vesper 30,195]

Lampard picking a 38-year-old ahead of £71.6m Kepa is quite some statement

https://theathletic.com/1613998/2020/02/18/chelsea-kepa-dropped-caballero-lampard/

There are many people connected to Chelsea who have cause to be worried about the future at the moment, but few have more reason to be concerned than Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Kepa had to watch from the sidelines as Manchester United made another significant step toward Champions League qualification at Chelsea’s expense on Monday night. To make matters worse, compatriot David de Gea surely edged closer to beating him in their personal duel to be Spain’s No 1 at Euro 2020.

The controversy surrounding three VAR decisions took centre stage in the immediate aftermath of United’s 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. The significance of the away side closing to within three points of Chelsea was understandably a focal point as well.

Yet there is no doubt that this was a very humbling occasion for the world’s most expensive goalkeeper – who signed a seven-year contract when his world-record transfer was agreed back in 2018.

For all the talk from coach Frank Lampard beforehand that Kepa had responded well to being left out against Leicester City before the winter break, it still wasn’t enough for him to regain a starting berth.

Indeed, Lampard didn’t take long to make up his mind over who would stand between the posts last night, having decided to keep faith with Willy Caballero before the weekend.

This has to be regarded as a greater humiliation even than the one experienced at Leicester. Chelsea versus Manchester United may not be the occasion it once was but it still attracts a vast global audience. Yet the only contribution Kepa made to it was in the warm-up.

Lampard’s explanation for Kepa’s omission ahead of the fixture was quite damning. “It is not an easy decision, of course,” he explained to Sky Sports. “But like every player in the squad, I have to go on form; from what I see on the training ground, what I see off the pitch and what I see mainly in performance as well. I have just gone with that.

“I went with that with Willy before. It doesn’t mean anything long-term, it means we have to be competitive here. People have to show. I think Willy has been a fantastic professional, trains really well.

“He came in against Leicester and made a couple of really good saves in the game. I know the spotlight is on keepers more than any position. It is just a decision and we move on.”

But it is hard to see how Kepa moves on from here. Caballero couldn’t be blamed for the two goals he conceded against Manchester United so, given Lampard’s current assessment of the situation, has to be in line to face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday as well.

Caballero is in his third season at Chelsea and has become a very popular figure within the squad. His ability to speak Spanish and English means he can converse well with all their players. At 38, though, he isn’t the long-term option — that is supposedly the role of Kepa, who is 13 years younger.

Kepa’s level of English has improved since joining from Athletic Bilbao for £71.6 million in August 2018 and The Athletic revealed earlier in the season that he has become more of a leader in the dressing room.

Sources have confirmed that, as Lampard stated, Kepa has responded professionally to being dropped but hasn’t been quite as upbeat around the camp.

Unsurprisingly, the Spain international was very subdued when he took to the pitch on Monday night to go through some pre-match drills with Caballero, third-choice Jamie Cumming and goalkeeping coach Hilario.

Caballero had given an early indication he would be involved by walking out to inspect the playing surface with Pedro and Marcos Alonso 90 minutes before kick-off. He appeared calm and relaxed, cracking the odd joke with his team-mates.

By the time Kepa took to the field for the first time to join in the goalkeeping exercises 45 minutes later, the news had emerged that Caballero was in the starting line-up.

Body language can always be read a number of different ways and Kepa participated as any senior player would as Hilario tested all three keepers in turn on passing, collecting crosses and stopping shots. Yet there seemed little joy in his work and there didn’t appear to be many words exchanged with anyone.

While Caballero ran off to get ready with intent, sharing a passionate embrace with Hilario before going down the tunnel, Kepa headed to the dressing room afterwards almost unnoticed.

Normally when a high-profile figure is left out, the crowd show their feelings on the matter. So it must have stung Kepa to hear Caballero’s name cheered loudly when it was read out just before the whistle. There was also warm applause from the Matthew Harding End, which could be seen as Chelsea fans endorsing Lampard’s selection.

Caballero’s standing among the players was also clear to see as he exchanged emotive words of encouragement, high fives and hugs with all of them.

Lampard’s stance has to be regarded as a brave one under the circumstances. It is all very well leaving out such a costly recruit when results are good, but Chelsea have now picked up just 15 points from their last 14 matches.

But this is not the first time Lampard has made a bold call that could be frowned upon in the boardroom. Christian Pulisic, who joined from Borussia Dortmund last summer for £57.4 million, was omitted on a regular basis in the first few months of the campaign.

The manager made it clear in his pre-match press conference he would not take Kepa’s transfer fee into account when choosing the side. But picking a pushing-40 free-transfer signing ahead of him is still some statement.

Kepa has become a bit of a scapegoat among the fans for Chelsea’s inability to keep a clean sheet this season but Caballero’s inclusion has not improved matters as the team have conceded four goals in two fixtures.

Caballero was perhaps partly to blame for one of Leicester’s goals in the 2-2 draw in their previous game, but Chelsea’s problems at the back run a lot deeper than just one position.

They have conceded 36 times in 26 matches — only the 10th best record in the division. They have only five clean sheets (which ranks them 16th in the Premier League), have let in seven goals from corners (16th) and five from fast breaks (19th).

Such a dismal return is not down to the goalkeeper alone. Caballero certainly could not be blamed for failing to stop headers by Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire — the United duo climbed above Chelsea defenders Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger respectively far too easily.

Kepa’s form and subsequent omission against Leicester has already sparked a lot of debate back in his homeland. He looked on course to be first choice at the European Championship this summer having started four of Spain’s qualifiers to De Gea’s two between September and November.

De Gea has hardly been looking assured for several months himself, although he had only one shot on target to face from Chelsea (not including the two goals disallowed by VAR). But obviously being in a team is better than not being involved at all, so Kepa has to be feeling anxious ahead of Spain’s friendlies against Germany and Holland in March.

With increasing suggestions that Chelsea are looking at Burnley’s Nick Pope and Andre Onana of Ajax to replace him in the summer, Kepa needs to convince Lampard of his quality as soon as possible.

[LAM09 7,056]

Hard to see a way back now. If Willy starts on Tuesday, Kepa is gone in the summer.

[Jase 43,479]

Just now, LAM09 said:

Hard to see a way back now. If Willy starts on Tuesday, Kepa is gone in the summer.

I'm sure Caballero will start on Tuesday.

As for Kepa, I know the circumstances are different, but it's kinda funny how people like to jump the gun and say 'Player X is gone because of X, Y, Z' so quickly, because people did the same with CHO last summer and look what happened. We would probably look for a new keeper in the summer but I'd very surprised if Lampard doesn't put Kepa back in at some point to redeem himself. 

[Laylabelle 9,535]

Dont know who I'd rather start Tues..neither are the most amazing amazing amazing. Both do weird things! Just I dont think it's fair to keep Kepa on the bench forever so if not Tuesday Satuday? Then who knows after that.

[Jase 43,479]

Just now, Laylabelle said:

Dont know who I'd rather start Tues..neither are the most amazing amazing amazing. Both do weird things! Just I dont think it's fair to keep Kepa on the bench forever so if not Tuesday Satuday? Then who knows after that.

Maybe Liverpool in the FA Cup...

[LAM09 7,056]

I'm sure Caballero will start on Tuesday.
As for Kepa, I know the circumstances are different, but it's kinda funny how people like to jump the gun and say 'Player X is gone because of X, Y, Z' so quickly, because people did the same with CHO last summer and look what happened. We would probably look for a new keeper in the summer but I'd very surprised if Lampard doesn't put Kepa back in at some point to redeem himself. 

It's rather straight forward when only two players are vying for one position and one of those players is almost 40.

Club & manager wanted CHO to stay. I doubt either are fussed about Kepa right now.

[Jase 43,479]

Just now, LAM09 said:

It's rather straight forward when only two players are vying for one position and one of those players is almost 40.

Club & manager wanted CHO to stay. I doubt either are fussed about Kepa right now.

Tell that to the people who freaked out because the contract situation took ages to be sorted out...

[LAM09 7,056]

Tell that to the people who freaked out because the contract situation took ages to be sorted out...

I still believe his injury worked in our favour. If he was fit, Bayern would have gone all in after Sane got sidelined.

Don't believe it was that cut & dry.

[Laylabelle 9,535]

10 minutes ago, Jason said:

Maybe Liverpool in the FA Cup...

Which so far has been Caberello wonder if that will stay the same regardless. 

But if Kepa starts Tuesday that mean he is back in favour? Unless it goes wrong wrong. Expect him to start but who knows. Didnt expect not to today tbh. 

[NikkiCFC 8,326]

I support decision to drop Kepa for a couple of games so he can wake up but since Caballero conceded 8 goals in 4 games and it's clearly not an upgrade there is no point to continue with this. 

We are just lowering Kepa's price in case we want to sell. 

And rumour I read yesterday that we offered 30m plus Kepa for Oblak is bullshit. 

[Fulham Broadway 17,319]

Chelsea are reportedly preparing an offer for a player-plus-cash swap deal for Atletico Madrid’s star goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

The Blues' proposed offer includes a swap for out-of-favour goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga plus £25million – claims El Chiringuito TV – as the West London outfit attempts to lure the Slovenian international away from the Metropolitano Stadium.

Atletico’s Oblak, 27, is among Europe’s finest goalkeepers winning LaLiga Best Goalkeeper award four years running between 2016 and 2019.

Kepa, 25, who has struggled this season under new boss Frank Lampard, has been left out of the starting XI in the last four matches with Lampard opting for the services of veteran goalkeeper Willy Caballero.

The Spaniard has managed six clean sheets this season while Oblak has notched up 16 in all competitions.

source 'Currant Bun' 

[Jase 43,479]

11 minutes ago, Fulham Broadway said:

Chelsea are reportedly preparing an offer for a player-plus-cash swap deal for Atletico Madrid’s star goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

The Blues' proposed offer includes a swap for out-of-favour goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga plus £25million – claims El Chiringuito TV – as the West London outfit attempts to lure the Slovenian international away from the Metropolitano Stadium.

Atletico’s Oblak, 27, is among Europe’s finest goalkeepers winning LaLiga Best Goalkeeper award four years running between 2016 and 2019.

Kepa, 25, who has struggled this season under new boss Frank Lampard, has been left out of the starting XI in the last four matches with Lampard opting for the services of veteran goalkeeper Willy Caballero.

The Spaniard has managed six clean sheets this season while Oblak has notched up 16 in all competitions.

source 'Currant Bun' 

Atletico have been kind in taking away our deadwood strikers in the past but I don't think they're idiots enough to take 25 million + Kepa for Oblak. 

[Fulham Broadway 17,319]

32 minutes ago, Jason said:

Atletico have been kind in taking away our deadwood strikers in the past but I don't think they're idiots enough to take 25 million + Kepa for Oblak. 

Comes down more to what Mlaka decides

[OneMoSalah 8,886]

Doubt Oblak will come here. That cheap as well no chance.

Nick Pope would be a laughable signing for first choice too. Back up decent enough but first choice cmon

[gdlk 286]

Lampard wants to turn us into a team full with English overrated woods(called football players). 

The only one i see with potential to be world star is Sancho, rest is trash. 

[Vesper 30,195]

4 hours ago, OneMoSalah said:

Doubt Oblak will come here. That cheap as well no chance.

Nick Pope would be a laughable signing for first choice too. Back up decent enough but first choice cmon

If we bought Oblak and sold Kepa, that would mean we will have spent at least £250m NET for 7 years of GK play (trans fees plus salaries minus Kepa  sell price)

Quarter of a billion quid on fucking the lowest cost position and that doesnt include backups.

It is so not happening.

[Vesper 30,195]

6 hours ago, gdlk said:

Lampard wants to turn us into a team full with English overrated woods(called football players). 

The only one i see with potential to be world star is Sancho, rest is trash. 

lol

ludicrous to call (not saying we will even try to sign these, other than Chilwell, thsi summer)

Declan Rice   <<< perfect signing, as he plays DMF and CB (his future position with us I see this)    he has had great games over and over against top teams
Ben Chilwell   <<< I just do not think he is worth £80m, £40-50m fine
Jack Grealish  <<< I SO want him, complete package, so creative, driven, great leader, if we fail on Sancho, Ziyech will play far more at Rw than AMF, mount is shit atm, RLC is a massive question mark
Dominic Calvert-Lewin << deffo think he is a great option as Werner is dipperpool bound and Lyon want an insane 100m euros for Dembele, his price is the main issue, like Chilwell
James Maddison  <<< I prefer Grealish
Dean Henderson << so doubt Manure will sell him, especially to us

trash

even Lewis Dunk would be an upgrade at CB, although his age (29 this coming November) makes him a pass for me at the cash level Brighton will demand

I would add in the 16yo wunderkind CMF Jude Bellingham as well

 

 

[gdlk 286]

Well Vesper non of those you mentioned are good for Chelsea.. Maybe for a mid ta le club - yes but we need clasy players

[Vybz Kartel 1,613]

I know I am the minority here but I still think Kepa is good enough, get rid of his Goal Keeping coach or Lamps and I think he will bounce back, Lampard's team has left him exposed such that his confidence has sky rocked down. He has good reflexes, the claiming of balls can be improved look at DDG he had the same problem earlier in his career too. His a good sweeper keeper too which plays well in the modern game. Upgrade on our defence and tactics them we likely wont have to spend unnecessary money on a goal keeper when we have more pressing holes in the team. 

[Alabama 1,992]

30 minutes ago, Vybz Kartel said:

I know I am the minority here but I still think Kepa is good enough, get rid of his Goal Keeping coach or Lamps and I think he will bounce back, Lampard's team has left him exposed such that his confidence has sky rocked down. He has good reflexes, the claiming of balls can be improved look at DDG he had the same problem earlier in his career too. His a good sweeper keeper too which plays well in the modern game. Upgrade on our defence and tactics them we likely wont have to spend unnecessary money on a goal keeper when we have more pressing holes in the team. 

You ain't the only one mate....That's my major concern with Lampard....his team has badly exposed though not exonerating his stupid error but just like you have said...either get in a new goal keeping coach or whatever as we deep pressing needs in other areas of the pitch