By Tom Olver
Thomas Tuchel has revealed his decision to introduce Kepa Arrizabalaga for Chelsea’s triumphant Super Cup penalty shootout against Villarreal was pre-planned, with the Spain goalkeeper statistically superior at saving spot-kicks.
Kepa started on the substitutes bench at Belfast’s Windsor Park but came on for Edouard Mendy in the dying moments of extra time before inspiring the Champions League winners to victory.
Gerard Moreno had earlier cancelled out Hakim Ziyech’s first-half opener to take the match beyond normal time before Wednesday night’s encounter was decided via a nerve-shredding contest from 12 yards.
The shootout got off to the worst possible start from Chelsea’s perspective as Kai Havertz’s opening effort was saved by Sergio Asenjo but Kepa denied both Aissa Mandi and Raul Albiol to ensure the Blues prevailed.
‘No, no. It was not spontaneous. We talked about it with the goalkeepers when we came and had the first cup game against Barnsley,’ Tuchel explained to BT Sport shortly after Chelsea’s win.
‘So we had some statistics, we were well prepared, [knowing] that Kepa is the best percentage at saving penalties.
‘The analysing guys, the goalkeeping coaches showed me, introduced me to the data and then we spoke with the players that this can happen when we play in knockout games.
‘And since then they know it. It’s fantastic how Edou accepts it, it’s fantastic how this talk went on the morning before the cup game against Barnsley – and since then they know.
‘Of course, we needed to do what’s best for the team so if we needed a sixth change before it was necessary… but I’m happy that it worked.’
Tuchel added: ‘There is proof that Kepa is better in this discipline and these guys are true team players. I’m happy for Kepa and happy for Edou.
‘To have goalkeepers like this that does not show their pride to not step off the field, that was happy to do it and take this for the team is top.’
At his post-match press conference, Tuchel underlined that Chelsea’s penalty shootout tactics had been ‘openly discussed’ with Kepa and Mendy and both had ‘accepted’ their place in the pecking order.
‘I mentioned several times since I arrived that we…
