Thomas Tuchel explains why he replaced Edouard Mendy with Kepa Arrizabalaga in Super Cup win over Villarreal

  Thomas Tuchel has revealed why he replaced Edouard Mendy with Kepa Arrizabalaga before the penalty shootout in UEFA Super Cup final win over Villarreal. Chelsea celebrated a 6-5 victory on penalties over Villarreal and became UEFA Super Cup winners as the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring for the Blues in the first half while Gerrard Moreno equalized in the second half and as the score wasn't decided in the extra time, the game went on to penalties. Kepa saved two penalties and helped the Blues to celebrate the victory. "No, no. It was not spontaneous. We talked about it with the goalkeepers when we came and had the first cup game against Barnsley," Tuchel explained to BT Sport. "So we had some statistics, we were well prepared, [knowing] that Kepa is the best percentage at saving penalties. "The analysing guys, the goalkeeping coaches showed me, introduced me to the data and then we spoke with the players that this can happen when we play in knockout games. "And since then they know it. It’s fantastic how Edou accepts it, it’s fantastic how this talk went on the morning before the cup game against Barnsley – and since then they know. "Of course, we needed to do what’s best for the team so if we needed a sixth change before it was necessary… but I’m happy that it worked." Tuchel added: "There is proof that Kepa is better in this discipline and these guys are true team players. I’m happy for Kepa and happy for Edou. "To have goalkeepers like this that does not show their pride to not step off the field, that was happy to do it and take this for the team is top."   source - Metro / Join us on Telegram!/ Follow us on Twitter!

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