Frank Lampard explains why he dropped Kepa for the match between Chelsea and Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday.
Kepa has been in the middle of a miserable season. The Spaniard has one of the worst save percentage in the top European football leagues. So much so, that he was dropped for the first time in the Premier League this season for the game against Leicester City.
Also read: Antonio Rudiger hits a towering header over Kasper Schmeichel to equalise
Unlike other players, changing the goalkeeper cannot be defended by the coach as a change of tactics. Unless there is an injury involved, the keeper is almost always dropped for performance reasons and Lampard almost confirmed the same when he insisted that it wasn’t a decision he took lightly but felt that Cabellero deserved an opportunity to impress.
Frank Lampard explains why he dropped Kepa for the match between Chelsea and Leicester
“It’s a decision I’ve made and with goalkeepers, it’s a decision I don’t take lightly,” Lampard told BT Sport ahead of kick-off at the King Power Stadium.
“You have to look at what it means because they’re very close and they work hard together each day. It’s just one I felt to make for this game.
“I trust in Willy, he trains brilliantly, he’s a great professional. I trust in them both but this is a decision for today.”
“It’s a decision I’ve made and I think with goalkeepers it’s one I don’t take lightly.”
Some tough playing decisions to be made by Frank Lampard as Caballero starts in goal and Tammy Abraham plays through the pain barrier.
🎙 @DesKellyBTS pic.twitter.com/KZD7Ta9JeH
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 1, 2020
The change did not bring a change in Chelsea’s fortunes as the Blues still went on to concede two goals. However, a brace from Antonio Rudiger in the second half, helped Cheslea draw level and avoid a defeat.
Click here for more football news
