Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot believes Kepa Arrizabalaga will find it ‘hard’ working under Frank Lampard, unsure what role the Spaniard will have to play under the interim boss.
Following Graham Potter’s sacking last Sunday, Lampard was confirmed as the new Blues boss until the end of the season this week as the club continue their search for a permanent successor.
The 44-year-old, Chelsea’s all-time top scorer, returned to the club in 2019 to replace Mauricio Sarri but was sacked in January 2021, paving the way for the appointment of Thomas Tuchel.
Kepa was Chelsea’s no1 following Lampard’s arrival but the former England international replaced him with Edouard Mendy the following summer with the Senegal international brought in from Rennes.
The Spanish goalkeeper was less than complimentary over Lampard’s approach when speaking to Marca in June 2022,questioning the former England international’s tactics.
‘We came from a not so elaborate game (with Lampard). We didn’t have to take the ball from behind, a less planned game, more (about) the free expression of the player, back and forth and less control,’ Kepa said.
‘With Tuchel we have returned to control. It is true that in the Premier League we were not close to the top two, but in the other tournaments we were very competitive.’
Former Blues defender Melchiot expects there will be some awkward conversations between Kepa and the interim boss.
‘You know how hard it will be for Kepa to be in the dressing room?’ Melchiot told ESPN FC.
‘You had a go at your coach and that coach comes back and now you have to sit with him. Oh my God… I don’t know what Kepa is going to do.
‘I want to give advice to any footballer: never talk about your coach in public, always do it directly. You might meet him again.’
Kepa was the preferred no1 under Potter with Mendy unable for much of 2023 so far due to injury.
The Senegal international was back among the subs for the midweek draw with Liverpool and could present Lampard with an early dilemma in goal.
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