BLUNDER keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has the ‘character’ and ‘personality’ to bounce back, Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has insisted after the stopper’s latest mistake.
The Spanish goalie is once again under the microscope after being involved in the comedy of errors that led to Southampton’s second goal during a 3-3 draw on Saturday.
Kepa, Hakim Ziyech and Andreas Christensen appeared dejected after the Blues threw away points against the Saints. Credit: AP:Associated Press
Azpilicueta has backed Kepa to bounce back at Stamford Bridge Credit: Getty Images – Getty
It is far from the first mistake the under-fire keeper, 26, has made already this season.
His replacement, Edouard Mendy, likely would have been playing against the Saints if not for an injury he sustained on international duty.
It left a desperate Frank Lampard turning back to his error-prone man – only for him to be involved in an embarrassing mess with Kurt Zouma at the back.
Despite Kepa’s mistake, Azpilicueta is convinced his countryman will bounce back at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “In football we have difficult times, in my position as captain and also knowing him a long time, I’ll always try to help him.
“Sometimes you feel like everything goes against you. You have to have the character and personality to face it.
“I have no doubt Kepa will work hard to reverse the situation.
“The whole squad are fighting for targets as a collective. When you are a goalkeeper it’s a completely different situation, but he will keep working hard, giving his best.”
Frank Lampard will have a tough decision to make for who starts against Sevilla if Mendy is not back.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
A difficult weekend for the keeper saw a poor backpass by Zouma skid past Kepa, who somehow failed to trap the ball.
Despite their best efforts to retrieve the situation, Southampton scored an equaliser and would go on to level again in stoppage time, snatching a point.
With Europa League champions Sevilla arriving in London this week for a Champions League clash, Lampard may have a choice whether to stay faithful to Kepa or opt for Willy Caballero.
But recent reports suggest injured keeper Mendy could be in for a shock return in time for the game.
Andy Jacobs is no fan of Chelsea’s goalkeeper Kepa who he thinks is the worst in English football
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
