Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has insisted that he is not under any pressure from the club's board to recall goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, while he has also offered advice to the Spaniard.
Kepa became the world's most expensive goalkeeper when he joined the Blues in the summer of 2018. However, Lampard recently opted to drop the shot-stopper following a number of high-profile mistakes, with Willy Caballero stepping in.
The 25-year-old was dropped to the bench for the west London club's trip to Leicester and while some were expecting him to be recalled for the visit of Manchester United after the winter break, this was not the case.
Lampard has now revealed that he has the support of the board not to play Kepa, while also insisting that he is being paid to make decisions. When asked if he was under any pressure from the Blues’ board to start the keeper, Lampard replied: 'No,' as quoted by the Evening Standard.
“That fills a lot of headlines and articles. I am absolutely together with the board. We want the best. I am paid to make decisions. It is a decision recently where, as I have mentioned before, with form that I have to consider the goalkeeping position as well as all positions. Recently it has just changed, it is nothing final.
“The keepers union have to stick together and Kepa has been great in his support of Willy in this moment."
The 41-year-old went on to explain what the goalkeeper can do to give himself a chance of forcing his way back into the starting lineup, claiming that things can 'obviously change'.
"All he needs to do is train and show great attitude, like I demand of all my players. Things can obviously change. All I want is the best for the team, it is nothing on one individual position."
Chelsea welcome London rivals Tottenham to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with the Blues currently sat one point above them. A draw for Jose Mourinho's men would see them move above the Blues into fourth place, underlining the importance of a result for both sides.
Source :
90min
