Chelsea is in the Carabao Cup final, where they will face Liverpool.
The last time Chelsea were in this space, they faced Manchester City in 2019. There were so many memories to take away from that match, and that begs the question, should Kepa Arrizabalaga start this weekend?
We all remember the events that transpired in the last league cup final that Kepa had started in. Defiance towards the manager. A penalty shootout where the Spaniard should have done better.
Despite being Chelsea’s starter throughout the competition this season, Thomas Tuchel will be tasked with making a decision that may affect his relationship with the number two goalkeeper.
According to Andy Dillon of the Sun, Kepa feels that he should start at the weekend, believing that Tuchel 'owes him' a start. The Club World Cup final came as a shock to many as Edouard Mendy was given the nod ahead of the Spaniard. Even though Kepa had a spotless display against Al Hilal in the semi-final, he was subject to the bench once Mendy had arrived from the African Cup of Nations.
I must admit it was a little harsh on the 27-year-old, but I guess sentiment cannot be a reason for Tuchel's choices in tough times. There's no telling who the Chelsea boss will start against Liverpool. He kept tight-lipped about the possible starting 11.
Tuchel was asked who he would opt for in goal in his pre-match conference. After informing the press that he would not tell them, he explained why either option could start. He also mentioned that he “cannot get sentimental” about it.
“It’s very easy to answer, Kepa absolutely deserves it. I cannot get sentimental about it. I have to do what is in the end, in my opinion, the very best solution for the team”.
Now I cannot make up rumours, but I love a good ‘what if’. So what if Kepa does feel hard done by and absolutely shakes the table? He is a clear first choice for a penalty shoot-out, as proven earlier in the season in Chelsea’s Super Cup match against Villarreal. After 119 minutes of game time, Mendy was substituted for Kepa to see out the penalty shoot-out. The decision was proven successful as the Spaniard saved two penalties to give Chelsea the win.
What if, this time around, Kepa refuses to come off the bench before penalties? It’s unlikely, however having played all of Chelsea’s five Carabao cup matches, I wouldn’t be surprised.
Tuchel has created a competitive yet friendly environment for the Chelsea goalkeepers. I’m sure there will be no hurt feelings regardless of who is picked. If there’s one thing that we know for sure, it’s that Kepa will be in goal for penalty shootouts if it comes to it.
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