Graham Potter’s faith changes in Edouard Mendy as he faces reality with Kepa’s example

Although Edouard Mendy has been well enough to play in Chelsea’s last three games, Graham Potter has continued to trust Kepa Arrizabalaga.

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Numerous first-team players were given “second chances” at Stamford Bridge after Graham Potter was hired as Chelsea’s head coach.

Take Trevoh Chalobah, for instance. After Wesley Fofana’s unlucky injury last week, the 23-year-old defender, who had been somewhat marginalized under the former boss Thomas Tuchel, has now started back-to-back games for Chelsea for the first time since the end of the previous campaign.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is another person who has been given a second shot with the Blues. Astonishingly, the Spanish goalkeeper joined Chelsea in 2018 for a sum of £71 million. Huge expectations were placed on the team, which is understandable given that the £71 million Chelsea spent on the goalie was, and continues to be, a goalkeeper transfer record.
Chelsea gave Kepa two seasons to establish himself as their starting goalkeeper, first under Maurizio Sarri and then under Frank Lampard. The latter eventually acquired Edouard Mendy from Rennes in the summer of 2020, thanks in large part to Petr Cech.

After making a few high-profile errors that cost him his position at Stamford Bridge, Mendy was brought in to replace Kepa. Mendy appeared to be a savvy businessperson when she arrived in west London. When he had the ball, he appeared cool and collected, and his shot-stopping was exceptional.
In 2021, the goalkeeper had an outstanding first season in England and helped Chelsea win their second UEFA Champions League trophy under Tuchel. There were no indications that Kepa would get another shot anytime soon despite the fact that his second season was equally as good.

It seems almost clear that Kepa would leave Chelsea during the 2022 summer transfer window, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Napoli had a strong interest in the Spaniard, but negotiations with the Blues never resulted in a deal.

Kepa remained in place as a result, although under Tuchel there was no indication that the former Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper would rejoin the team. But Mendy’s dismal performance to start the year and the knee injury he sustained against West Ham United last month made it possible for an unexpected comeback.

Due to Mendy’s injury, he was chosen for Potter’s inaugural game in charge against Red Bull Salzburg last month. After the two-week international break, Mendy was still sidelined for the match against Crystal Palace, but many believed that once he was once again available for selection, he would return right away to the starting lineup.

Kepa, however, preserved his spot in the lineup when AC Milan visited Stamford Bridge last Wednesday. When challenged, the Spaniard did nothing improper, and Potter even described how Kepa provides Chelsea the advantage when playing out from defense.

“It’s significant to us. You have the opportunity to attack the next line when you have to play through the pressure “Potter discussed the significance of Kepa.

“As a result, it’s crucial to the team. The goalkeepers are ultimately there to save the ball for us as well, and he accomplished that when it was necessary.”

Mendy must now accept the terrible possibility that he may serve as Potter’s backup goalkeeper, at least temporarily. He must emulate Kepa’s leadership from the previous two seasons.

Regarding his place on the team, the Spaniard has never expressed any dissatisfaction publicly. He’s been working hard, concentrating on getting better, and waiting for his opportunity. Most of the time, he has taken advantage of rare opportunities when they have been presented to him.

Kepa is now a part of a Chelsea team that has maintained three straight clean sheets as their current form has improved. He appears to be the favourite to get the start against Aston Villa on Sunday.