Last month, Kepa Arrizabalaga admitted he analysed the possibility of leaving Chelsea in the summer window but decided to stay, after the Blues showed confidence in him.
The goalkeeper’s decision to continue at the west London club has paid off since he has started the last four games.
This coincided with Édouard Mendy picking up an injury and Chelsea appointing Graham Potter as Thomas Tuchel’s successor in September.
Mendy has regained full fitness, but the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager preferred the Spain international in their 3-0 win over AC Milan in the Champions League clash on Wednesday.
After the tie, AS interviewed Kepa, and he shared his delight over Chelsea’s latest win over the Serie A winners.
“In the end it is to intervene. I had to save one at the end of the first half, so it’s true that we did a good job, defensively we were very committed, we stopped their best tricks and we’re happy because we had to win, it was a very important game for us,” he said.
The ex-Athletic Bilbao custodian was asked to detail what he likes the most about his new manager. Responding to that, Kepa explained: “He is a coach who has only been with us for two weeks, but it is clear that the team wants to be the protagonist, they want to have the ball to attack, not to have it.
“I’m doing well with my characteristics, I feel comfortable in that style and we have a long way to grow because we haven’t had much time to train, we’re picking up automatisms but I think we’re on the right track.”
Kepa stressed he remains confident of retaining the No.1 position at Chelsea and has set his sights on being part of Luis Enrique’s Spain squad for the Qatar World Cup.
“Yes, of course. I work for that, for when the coach needs me and like against Milan to try to respond and win games,” the keeper added.
“Obviously, I’ve been there [national team] a long time, and when you’re not, you miss it. It’s in my head and hopefully I can come back soon. I can’t tell you that because it’s a question for him [Enrqiue], but I’m sure it’s easier playing than not playing.”