Tuchel reveals why he played Kepa in the last minute

JAKARTA -- Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel revealed the reason he played Kepa Arrizabalaga to replace Edouard Mendy in the final minutes of the European Super Cup match against Villarreal at Windsor Park, Belfast, Ireland, Thursday (12/8). Quoted from the club's official website, Tuchel said, Kepa has good statistics in terms of saving penalty kicks.

The German coach said he got data from the analysis team and the goalkeeping coach about Kepa's good percentage of denying penalty kicks.

"Kepa has the best percentage when he saves penalties. The analysis team and the goalkeeping coach show the data, then we talk to the players that this (substitution) can happen when we play a penalty shootout," said Tuchel.

Furthermore, Tuchel was also pleased with the attitude of Edouard Mendy who agreed when he had to be replaced by Kepa ahead of entering the penalty shootout. Tuchel thinks this shows that this player is a true team player and he is pleased with the attitude of Mendy and Kepa.

"They've known since then. It's amazing how Edou (Mendy) took him, and it's amazing how the conversation went on the morning before the game at Barnsley. They showed they are real team players. I'm so happy for Kepa and I'm happy too. for Edou," explained Tuchel.

Kepa Arrizabalaga only came on to replace Edouard Mendy in the 119th minute before Chelsea's match in the European Super Cup entered the penalty shootout. Kepa managed to become a hero for Chelsea in the penalty shootout after thwarting two Villarreal kickers, namely Aisaa Mandi and Raul Albiol. This made the Blues win with a score of 6-5 while ensuring the champion.