Chelsea ‘keeper Kepa ‘happy to help the team’ in Mendy absence

Jason Soutar
Kepa and Edouard Mendy

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa has discussed his relationship with team-mate Edouard Mendy while saying he is happy to help the team in Mendy’s absence.

The Spaniard started on Sunday as the Blues beat Tottenham 3-0 away from home with Mendy out injured.

He put in a good display, making a number of saves to help his side to victory, with N’Golo Kante, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger on target at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.


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“I’m very pleased,” Kepa told Chelsea’s official website after the win. “It was a very important three points for us.

“It was a London derby, so we knew it was a big game against a very good team, so to get the win was fantastic and we are all so happy.

“We did a much better job in the second half than in the first, but we did what we needed to win the game and we are all happy with the three points.

“The manager made changes at half-time and I think that shows how good our squad is. We have the ability to change a few things up, bring in new players and it still works for us.

“This is very important, for all players to be ready. We have a lot of games to play during the season, across many competitions so it is very important for our players to be ready for the team.”

Mendy was unable to shake off a knock picked up against Zenit in the Champions League last week, meaning Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel called upon Kepa.

And the 26-year-old was delighted to keep a clean sheet and get the win.

“I was really happy to help the team,” the goalkeeper added.

“It’s been quite a while since I played in the Premier League, so I was happy for the opportunity to help the team. To come into the side in such a big game like this, a London derby, and to keep a clean sheet and get the three points, it’s perfect really!

“Edou and I have a very good relationship. We are training together every day and support each other whoever is playing.

“You could see in the Super Cup the relationship we have, he was one of the first players to congratulate me after the penalty shoot-out and of course we celebrated together. Hopefully he can return to training soon from his injury.”