Chelsea
goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga says he believes he can "turn the situation
around" at the club after being dropped by Frank Lampard following a poor
start to the season.
Kepa, who joined Chelsea for £71m - a world-record for a goalkeeper - in
2018, has failed to establish himself in his first two campaigns at Stamford
Bridge and was dropped by Lampard for back-up stopper Willy Caballero on
multiple occasions last season as the club struggled defensively.
The 26-year-old Spaniard started Chelsea's two opening Premier League games
- against Brighton and Liverpool - but further unconvincing displays saw
Lampard sign Edouard Mendy from Rennes, with the Senegalese goalkeeper now
appearing to be first choice.
"I feel good, strong and confident," Kepa said after joining up with Spain's
national team. "Maybe not the dream and expected situation.
"We have to experience things like this during our career as footballers. I
need to carry on working calmly.
"I am confident to turn the situation around. When I have the opportunity to
play I will try to do it the best possible."
Despite dropping Kepa, Lampard insisted that criticism of the former
Athletic Bilbao player was "unfair" and that he still had a future at the
club.
Asked about Lampard's comments, Kepa said: "I think you should ask him as
they were his words.
"Each coach is different on his communication with the players. I am not
going to comment on those words.
"I feel the confidence of the club and also here in the national team. As I
have said, I am playing for two top teams with two magnificent coaches. I am
only focused on the next match trying to add if possible. "
Kepa was also playing back-up for Spain during the last international break,
as Manchester United's David de Gea was selected by Luis Enrique to start
Nations League matches against Germany and Ukraine in September.
Spain have a triple-header of Nations League fixtures over the next week,
with matches against Portugal, Switzerland and Ukraine, all live on Sky
Sports.
"I spoke with Kepa in September and I have done it once again now in October
when we saw each other," Enrique said.
"He has proved maturity as he has adapted to a very difficult situation, but
it is not the end of the world.
"It is something that always happens during any footballer's career as most
of us we have had to cope with sporting difficulties. I believe it is the
perfect moment for Kepa to prove what he is made of."
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