The manager was quizzed on the issue after giving Kepa a shock start on Monday
When Chelsea’s playing11 against Newcastle United was revealed, their was one glaring omission which left Chelsea’s ardent supporters bereaved. Edouard Mendy was left out of the Chelsea’s setup in the Premier League for the first time since signing for the club with Kepa being handed a shock recall.
Alluding the reason to Kepa’s cleansheet in the FA Cup, Tuchel said the move was made with an eye at giving Kepa much needed confidence. And despite keeping a cleansheet on the night, Tuchel made it adamantly clear that Mendy would return to the fray of Chelsea’s fold for their proceeding fixtures in the Premier League.
Tuchel Makes Mendy’s Role Blatantly Clear
“No, Edou is the number one,” the German manager said ensuing Chelsea’s 2-0 win against Newcastle United. “This is clear. It was clear before the game and it stays like this.
“I was very happy that Kepa kept a second clean sheet in a row, it was a moment to let him feel the rhythm and build up his confidence, not only in the cup games but here in a home game at Stamford Bridge.
“This was the moment. It was clear before we hoped for the best performance [for him] and a clean sheet. Edou will be in goal from now on because he’s recovered physically and mentally.
“Right now, today, he is the number one.”
Pulisic Reveals Reason For Not Utilising Pulisic
“Today, the first change was already made in the first half from injury and Christian was a very tight decision if he starts again after the cup game, or if he comes on from the bench.
“We decided for another eleven to start. Unfortunately, we only had three changes which makes it very difficult to give time to the players, to let everybody play, and to have an impact with the changes of fresh legs. That makes it difficult and the third change we didn’t want to use too early.
“During the match, we did what we normally do which is to only change to win the match. He deserves to start, or to come in but I could only use three guys. I hope he keeps on going and he will make an important impact for us in the future,” Tuchel said.
