No decision is easy
"No decision is easy. When it comes to a goalkeeper, you probably think about changes a little more and a little longer, especially if someone seems to be the designated number one (...) It's not a decision I've taken lightly. But it's a decision for today". At the end of the clash against Leicester City (2-2), the coach of Chelsea, Englishman Frank Lampard, justified the benching of Kepa Arrizabalaga and his surprising bet on the experienced Willy Caballero (38 years old).
Kepa Arrizabalaga's future in doubt
This decision could be interpreted as a simple punishment for the disappointing performances that the former Athletic Club player had been showing, several media outlets in the UK today claim that the Basque goalkeeper is sentenced and it is possible that he will not return to play as a starter for the rest of the season.
Lampard wants a new goalkeeper
Furthermore, some newspapers add that Lampard has urged the London board to search the market for a goalkeeper who, starting from next summer, can become the new guardian of the goal. In previous days, the press had already speculated on this issue and had rushed to point out Dean Henderson (Sheffield United) and Nick Pope (Burnley) as possible replacements.
A declining trajectory
Recruited in the summer of 2018 for no less than €80 million, the Ondarroa goalkeeper has described a clearly downward trajectory since landing at Stamford Bridge. Although in his first season he did sign several commendable performances, the truth is that this season his performance is far from what can be expected from a goalkeeper of his level. "Kepa is honest and knows that he has made mistakes that have cost us goals", Lampard said a few weeks ago. If he doesn't react, his future in both Chelsea and the Spanish National Team could become even bleaker than it already looks.