Tuchel reveals why he brought in Super Cup hero Kepa

Kepa the hero for Chelsea

Kepa the hero for Chelsea

By Abankula

Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel has revealed the reason for introducing Super Cup hero Kepa Arrizabalaga in the dying moments of extra time.

Tuchel said Kepa was statistically superior at saving spot-kicks, thus confirming that his introduction was strategic..

Kepa started on the substitutes bench at Belfast’s Windsor Park but came on for Edouard Mendy in the dying moments of extra time.

He inspired the Champions League winners to victory after the two teams were stalemated at 1-1.

Kai Havertz who took Chelsea’s first penalty, had his shot saved by Sergio Asenjo.

But Kepa did more as he denied both Aissa Mandi and Raul Albiol to ensure the Blues prevailed.

‘No, no. It was not spontaneous”, Tuchel said about the change of keeper.

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“We talked about it with the goalkeepers when we came and had the first cup game against Barnsley,’ Tuchel told BT Sport shortly after Chelsea’s win.

‘So we had some statistics, we were well prepared, [knowing] that Kepa is the best percentage at saving penalties.

‘The analysing guys, the goalkeeping coaches showed me, introduced me to the data and then we spoke with the players that this can happen when we play in knockout games.

‘And since then they know it. It’s fantastic how Edou accepts it, it’s fantastic how this talk went on the morning before the cup game against Barnsley – and since then they know.

‘Of course, we needed to do what’s best for the team so if we needed a sixth change before it was necessary… but I’m happy that it worked.’

Tuchel added: ‘There is proof that Kepa is better in this discipline and these guys are true team players. I’m happy for Kepa and happy for Edou.

‘To have goalkeepers like this that does not show their pride to not step off the field, that was happy to do it and take this for the team is top.’

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