Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, has opened up on his decision to bring on Kepa Arrizabalaga for their penalty shootout against Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup.
The Spanish goalkeeper saved two kicks as the Blues won at Windsor Park.
Tuchel brought Kepa on for the closing moments of extra time to replace number one choice, Eduoard Mendy.
“It was certainly not spontaneous. We had some statistics, we were well prepared. Kepa has the best percentage in saving penalties.
“The analysing guys, the goalkeeper coaches showed me the data and then we spoke with the players that this can happen,” Tuchel said.
On Mendy’s reaction to his decision, he added: “It’s fantastic how Eddy accepts it. It’s fantastic how this talk went before the cup game in Barnsley. Since then, they know.
“Of course, we needed to do what’s good for the team. It was necessary. I’m happy that it worked.”
The match had finished 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Hakim Ziyech scored the opener for Chelsea, before Gerard Moreno equalized following a fine team move.
Chelsea’s next game is their 2021/2022 Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Chelsea vs Villarreal: Tuchel explains why he brought on Kepa for penalties
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