Kepa Arrizabalaga’s situation at Chelsea is the subject of increasing articles in the Spanish media, with there being worry about the goalkeeper’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Given his poor form, it wasn’t really a great surprise when Frank Lampard decided to bench the stopper in favour of Willy Caballero. The Argentine has kept his place, and whilst he may not be a top class goalkeeper, he’s better than the most recent form of Kepa.
This had at first been accepted in Spain, with Kepa’s poor Premier League statistics published for a Spanish audience. However, now that Caballero has had an extended run, with Kepa glued to the bench, the understanding around Lampard’s decision is turning into annoyance.
Tuesday’s edition of Marca says the decision has been ‘political’ and ‘personal’. It’s claimed Lampard is receiving criticism from Chelsea fans and the English media, because those who watch the club’s matches can’t understand Kepa being a substitute for Caballero.
That sounds, at the very least, to be an exaggeration, and an effort to stir the pot, talking up the ‘ordeal’ the goalkeeper is going through.
Kepa is presented as being unhappy, and it’s even claimed Chelsea’s leaders ‘aren’t convinced’ by the change, partly because the player cost €80m.
A summer sale isn’t thought likely right now, but there may be more hints of discontent carried by the Spanish media, and snipes towards Lampard.