Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has launched a savage attack on the style of football deployed by Frank Lampard in his time as Blues boss.
The iconic former midfielder was appointed at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2019/20 campaign and did a fine job to secure Champions League qualification during what was a testing transfer embargo.
The following season did not go to plan, though, as Chelsea slumped to ninth position in the Premier League and a run of five defeats in eight league games saw Lampard relieved of his position. Thomas Tuchel was appointed as his successor and the German made an immediate impact, leading the Blues back into the top four and securing European glory in his first few months at the club.
He has continued that successful run, lifting the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup last term. Reflecting on the difference between Tuchel and Lampard, Kepa could not hide the fact he is not a fan of the latter's footballing philosophy.
Asked about the differences between the two managers by Marca, the Spanish goalkeeper replied: “Yes. We came from a not so elaborate game [with Lampard], we didn't have to take the ball from behind, a less planned game, more to the free expression of the player, back and forth and less control.
“With Tuchel, we have returned to control. It is true that in the Premier [League] we were not close to the top two [ Manchester City and Liverpool ], but in the other tournaments we have been very competitive.”
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Over the past two seasons, Kepa has not exactly been blessed with first-team opportunities. The former Athletic Bilbao stopper - who was signed for an eye-watering £72million fee back in 2018 - made just 15 appearances last season, with Edouard Mendy being preferred.
Despite that, the 27-year-old maintains that his relationship with his manager is cordial and is aiming to earn more opportunities to impress over the coming season.
Discussing Tuchel, Kepa continued: “The conversation with him is easy, on a day-to-day basis he is totally accessible to the players. With me, personally, I notice the love and trust he has in me.
“Obviously, I want to play more. It is true that he is choosing another teammate [Mendy] and that is what I try to change in my day to day, I want to play and for that I train and prepare myself.”
Kepa, 27, was originally brought to the club by former boss Maurizio Sarri and was the club’s number one goalkeeper across his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge. However, a series of high profile errors saw him lose his place to Mendy.
As a result, he has been linked with a transfer to Lazio or Newcastle this summer. Kepa’s contract still has three years left to run.
