Thomas Tuchel Reveals His Reasons For Goalkeeper Substitution In Super Cup Victory

Thomas Tuchel brought on Kepa Arrizabalaga for Edouard Mendy with 2 minutes remaining in extra time as the Blues prepared for penalties. The Spaniard ended up saving 2 spot-kicks as Chelsea won the Super Cup.

Speaking after the game, Thomas Tuchel discussed the change (via BT Sport): “It was not spontaneous. We talked about it with the goalkeepers when we came in the first cup game against Barnsley. We had some statistics. We were well prepared that Kepa has the best percentage at saving penalties.”

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“The analyzing guys, the goalkeeper coaches showed me and introduced me to the data and then we spoke to the players and told them it could happen in cup games.

“We spoke to the players and Edou was fantastic. We do what we need to do for the team.”

Well, the tactics clearly worked as Kepa showed nerves of steel. What a comeback for the Spaniard, just 2 and a half years removed from the infamous League Cup incident where he refused to come off for penalties!