Kepa Latest Error Likely To Push Him Down Pecking Order

Frank Lampard has a decision to make as far as his goalkeeper choice is concerned and things are not looking good for Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spanish goalie made another costly error against Liverpool, a game the Blues lost, 2-0.

The big story of that game is the costly error of Kepa. The 25-year-old miscued a pass that went Sadio Mane’s way inside the penalty area that led to a goal. That was a crucial mistake, allowing The Reds to take a 2-0 lead at the start of the second half, Goal reported.

It was the first loss for the Blues this season and Kepa is once again in hot water. The world’s most expensive goalkeeper gave bashers yet another reason to roast him, an issue that can only get worse. He will sit out in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup with Willy Caballero starting. However, Lampard clarified that this was something planned even before their match against Liverpool.

"I can say now that Willy Caballero will play and that was always my feeling that he will play in that game even before today,” Lampard said.

As far as Kepa is concerned, Lampard stood by his guy once more and believes that the Spaniard will bounce back from the miscue. But things are not going to be easy with Edouard Mendy entering the picture. The Blues have agreed to a deal with Mendy worth $29 million.

"My job as a manager is to try to give Kepa confidence,” Lampard said to Sky Sports. “It was a clear mistake and Kepa accepted that."

It was the second-straight match where Kepa performed poorly. As mentioned in a previous post, Lampard stood up for Kepa, lauding him for his effort despite giving up a goal to Leandro Trossard of Brighton. The Blues managed to win that one though some did not easily let Kepa off the hook.

“Kepa has to keep working, nobody tries to make mistakes in football, it is the nature of the game. You have to be strong, you keep going and that is where he is at,” Lampard said.

For Kepa, he needs to get his act together. And according to former Blues defender Frank Leboeuf, the Spanish shot-stopper’s mind appears to be somewhere else. He also feels that Kepa has lost his self-confidence, ESPN reported.

"He doesn’t feel football, he doesn’t even live football, he’s just wondering if he is still a goalkeeper. He shouldn’t play, he should see a shrink,” Leboeuf said.