Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has insisted his relationship with manager Frank Lampard is ‘very good’, and he has the Blues boss’ confidence.
The Spanish goalkeeper has found himself under increasing criticism this season after a series of disappointing performances.
They saw him dropped by in favour of number two Willy Caballero, with numerous rumours following that Chelsea are keen to sell Kepa this summer and replace him with a new number one.
It remains to be seen if that is the case, but the goalkeeper believes he has the confidence of his coach and insists he has reacted ‘professionally’ to being dropped.
“The only thing you can do, in those cases, is to take it professionally, with respect and work more to turn it around,” he told Marca.
“The relationship with Frank is very good. I have been shown confidence from the outset.
“He must make decisions, but I feel I have his confidence, both his and the whole club. We all like to play all the time.”
The Spaniard famously refused to be substituted during the Carabao Cup final last season, when the Italian coach was keen to replace him as it appeared he was struggling with cramp.
The incident caused quite the stir and saw Kepa come in for plenty of criticism, with most accusing him of a lack of respect.
He, though, insists that isn’t the case, and that, despite the furore, the whole issue was settled the following day.
“It was a confusion; I did not want to undermine him,” he added.
“He thought I was not in a position to continue; I said it was okay… But there was a quick discussion the next day in the dressing room, and it was settled.
“It was more about the press and social networks than it really was. I don’t know how I look from the outside.
“This case was an exception, though. I have great respect for Sarri, who bet heavily on me. I am grateful to him.
“My image? I do not think to be a goalkeeper has to be crazy. I am calm in life and in football. Maybe I do get out of that typical crazy goalkeeper stereotype.”
