Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has made a dig towards former boss Frank Lampard, labelling his tactics as ‘less elaborate’.
The 27-year-old was Lampard’s first choice for his first season at Stamford Bridge before Edoaurd Mendy was brought in the following summer.
The Senegal international quickly became Lampard’s preferred goalkeeper, leaving Kepa sidelined for much of the 2020/21 season.
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Kepa was unable to win his place back under Thomas Tuchel and has spent the majority of the German’s reign as number two once more.
This has led to rumours regarding his future, with it believed that he could depart this summer.
OGC Nice of Ligue 1 have been the latest team linked with his signature.
Maurizio Sarri, who bought Kepa for Chelsea, could be reunited with his former player if reports are to be believed with Lazio also interested in acquiring him this summer.
“It depends what he wants and what his plans are,” Tuchel said last month over whether or not the Spaniard would remain at Stamford Bridge next season.
“I know that we are very privileged to have Edou and Kepa in our squad but I also know for sure that Kepa is not happy about the situation because he deserved to play more and he can be a very strong number one.
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"He arrived as a number one so the situation is not easy. He has been a fantastic team player since day one and never let anybody down.
“We did not have a conversation yet but I know that the goalkeeper coaches have these conversations at the moment and then we will take our time to speak with him and reflect on what’s best and what the possibilities are.
"As a coach, of course I’m super happy to have both strong goalkeepers so let’s see.”
The goalkeeper shares a stronger relationship with Tuchel than he did with previous boss Lampard, with him now making a dig at his former head coach.
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Speaking to Marca, Kepa outlined the differences between Tuchel and Lampard.
When asked if his goalkeeping style has changed under the German, Kepa said: “Yes, we came from a less elaborate game (with Frank Lampard).
“We didn't have to bring the ball out from the back, a less planned game, more based on the free expression of the player, back and forth and less control.
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“With Tuchel we have gone back to controlling (the game).
“It's true that in the Premier League we weren't close to the top two, but in the other tournaments we've been very competitive.”
It is unclear as to what the future holds for the goalkeeping world-record signing but remaining at Chelsea is looking unlikely.
With Spain travelling to the World Cup in December, Kepa is likely to depart for more game time as he looks to earn his way into Luis Enrique's squad.
Topics: Chelsea, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Frank Lampard, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms