Thomas Tuchel explains Edouard Mendy response to Kepa switch in Chelsea's Super Cup win
Thomas Tuchel made the surprising decision to bring on Kepa Arrizabalaga for Edouard Mendy for the Super Cup penalty shoot-out in the Super Cup against Villarreal.
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Thomas Tuchel has praised Edouard Mendy's professionalism for his accepting nature after the Chelsea boss controversially brought on Kepa Arrizabalaga for the Super Cup penalty shoot-out against Villarreal. The Spaniard has had a tough time since joining Chelsea back in 2018.
Kepa replaced Edouard Mendy for the penalty shoot-out (Image: GETTY)
It proved to be a stroke of genius as Kepa became an instant Chelsea hero when he saved Raul Albiol's spot kick to win the match.
It was noticeable that Mendy was one of the first players to come up and celebrate with Kepa after his match-winning save.
And Tuchel explained his decision to sub on Kepa wasn't a spontaneous decision.
"It was not spontaneous. We talked about it with the goalkeepers after the first cup game against Barnsley. We had some statistics. We were well prepared," he said.
"Kepa has the best percentage at saving penalties, the analysing guys and goalkeeping coaches showed me the data.
"We spoke to the players that this could happen when we play in knockout games. It's fantastic how Edouard accepted it.
"There is proof that Kepa is better in this discipline. They're team players.
"Edouard does not show the pride to not step off the field. He was happy to do it for the team and take this for the team."
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Kepa was the hero for Chelsea in the end (Image: GETTY)
While there were big celebrations for Chelsea after a tough game against Villarreal, Tuchel expressed concern for Hakim Ziyech after he was forced off with a shoulder injury.
"If you take a player out during the first half it's serious," he said.
The Morocco international scored Chelsea's opener midway through the first half, but just moments later suffered an awkward shoulder injury inside his own box.
Ziyech received lengthy treatment on the pitch before leaving with his arm wrapped in his shirt and later returned to the bench with a sling.