Premier League Rumors: Chelsea Explains Goalkeeper Change, Kepa On The Way Out?

The job of a manager can be stressful at times, especially when it comes to making decisions. Frank Lampard has been the center of questions for going with Willy Caballero and benching Kepa Arrizabalaga recently. The 41-year-old finally spoke on the decision to switch goalkeepers.

A prime reason for the change is that Chelsea has managed to keep only five clean sheets all season. For Lampard, it was time to change things up. However, he stressed through PA Media Sport that it was not an easy decision to make. Especially if the change-up involves goalkeeping, he admits that it took him time to decide - especially it involves a player designated to be the number one.

In the end, Lampard's decision was made because he knows that the Blues need to be at their best. He points out how Caballero responded in their match against Hull, a reason why he decided to stick with the 38-year-old goalkeeper.

"We have to be competitive. Willy trains well, he acts well and he played well against Hull last week. I decided to stick with him,” Lampard said.

As for Kepa, multiple reports are now cropping up that he could be on the move. According to NBC Sports, the 25-year-old Spaniard's time could soon be up. Lampard allegedly wants to offload him and replace him with someone else. Several names have cropped up including Nick Pope and Vicente Guaita.

Kepa joined Chelsea back in 2018 to replace a departing Thibaut Courtois. The Blues paid Athletic Bilbao $85 million which was the release clause in his contract. This could be the reason why Chelsea's hierarchy is not on board with Lampard's alleged plan to sell Kepa.

The Spaniard got his share of criticism from Lampard for his struggles this season. This is believed to be one of the reasons why he was dropped in favor of Caballero. It will be interesting how this develops moving forward.

Chelsea has a lot of things to do, making the winter break timely. Lampard is still upset of not being able to sign needed players in January, leading him to call the Blues underdogs. Chelsea FC returns to action on Feb. 17 when they face Manchester United.