In the 2019 League Cup final, Kepa Arisavaraga's refusal to be replaced by then-manager Maurizio Sarri marked a turning point in his club career. Edouard Mendy immediately took the starting goalkeeper spot at Stamford Bridge the following summer, and the Spanish goalkeeper thought that was all for Chelsea.
Until new coach Graham Porter took over the Chelsea managerial seal, Kepa's club career finally turned around, and Kepa regained his starting line in the last four battles, constantly saving his spirit and protecting his innocence in three consecutive battles. Even if you have been a substitute, a "penalty specialist", and have always stayed on the bench, as long as you do not give up, the opportunity will still come.
Chelsea went into October undefeated, winning three consecutive games away at Brentford, and even though the home side had fewer shots on goal, the two teams also scored five shots on target, including the threatening headers of Ivan Tony and Bryan Mbeumo, but they were all saved by Kepa, and the two sides exchanged blank rolls and scored one point each.
5 games without loss, even the opponent manager is amazed
Kepa saved five goals and was voted the best player of the day, a bravery that even Brentford boss Thomas Frank praised, describing the 28-year-old Spanish goalkeeper as "unbelievable".
Before you know it, Kepa has conceded five consecutive games without a goal, a total of 14 saves in three Premier League games, and three consecutive saves against Aston Villa in the last round have surprised fans.
Kepa's dark period, from the League Cup final in '19 to being reduced to a substitute
Speaking of Kepa's "masterpiece", many fans will also think of the 2019 League Cup final, not because of his performance, but because of his refusal to be transferred.
Even as Kepa continues to be the starter, missed shots happen from time to time. Chelsea, who signed Edouard Mendy in the summer of 2020, have been on a back-to-back show at what appears to be a blow to Kepa, thinking his days at Stamford Bridge are nearing the end.
What everyone expected did not happen, Kepa remained in the team, serving as Edouard Mendy's deputy for two seasons, usually playing in cup matches, Kepa had no complaints, waiting for the opportunity on the bench. Under Thomas Tuchel, he was the "penalty saving specialist" of the Crown, and he made contributions in the UEFA Super Cup and the League Cup, but unfortunately changed from defensive to offensive in the League Cup final, and the main penalty kick shot away Chelsea's cup hopes.
If you lose confidence and save yourself, you can only rely on yourself
The goalkeeper is in a lonely position, good saves and mistakes are only the lining difference, and good or bad performance depends on confidence. Kepa also has the heavy pressure of value, and he has talked about the low tide in previous visits, but it is precisely because of the fierce criticism from the outside world that he gradually loses confidence and falls into a vicious circle.
Stepping out of the low tide and looking to the sky is not practical, only by working hard to save yourself. In the eyes of his team-mates, Kepa is meticulous, and Chelsea No.3 goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli praised the team-mate, "He [Kepa] is a super professional player, he gives everything in every training section, plus his technique, footwork and footwork are basically not faulty, he is one of the top goalkeepers in the world. ”
As the old saying goes, opportunities are always left to those who are prepared, and when Thomas Tuchel was fired, it seemed that everything had turned around. Edward Mendy has made many mistakes this season, and Graham Porter cast a vote of confidence in Kepa when he took office, and he repaid Graham Porter with his performance, while regaining his long-lost confidence.
"I feel good and feel confident in any situation. All players need the trust of the manager, and it's even more important for a goalkeeper because training is very different from the game and I need to play to continue to believe in myself. ”
Confidence, in addition to his own efforts, more or less with the help of external forces, Kepa regained self-confidence, thank himself, but also thank Graham Porter.