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Edouard Mendy says he will ‘fight’ for Chelsea goalkeeper spot with Kepa Arrizabalaga

Karl Matchett
·2-min read
<p>Edouard Mendy is Chelsea’s No1, according to Thomas Tuchel</p> (Getty Images)

Edouard Mendy is Chelsea’s No1, according to Thomas Tuchel

(Getty Images)

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy says he is battling to be first-choice goalkeeper for his new club and has praised the instructions given out from new boss Thomas Tuchel.

The former Rennes shot-stopper joined under Frank Lampard in the summer and quickly became the pick between the sticks. While not having an impeccable record himself, his initial calmness and reliability proved a welcome upturn after erratic and error-strewn performances by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Mendy has said that he’s in a battle with the Spaniard - as well as veteran third-choice Willy Caballero - to remain the go-to regular for the Blues, but acknowledges that the manager wants options in the squad.

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“I fight with Kepa but with Willy as well,” he told the club website. “The coach has said that he needs three strong goalkeepers. We need to be ready and we have to show it to start on the pitch.”

While Kepa has had one or two recent games on the pitch, notably against Newcastle United, Tuchel made it clear both in public and behind the scenes that Mendy remains the first choice.

Mendy appreciates this clarity from the coach, which extends to tactical instructions for matches and the expected levels of performance - meaning there can be no crossed wires when things do not go as planned.

“The coach gives confidence to all the players. We know what he wants so when we are on the pitch, we have to show why he has chosen us.

“He is very expressive and he shows when he likes something. When you do well on the pitch, every day at training and in the games, he pushes you. He stays positive but he also shows his determination, which is good for me and the team.”

The 28-year-old has played 27 games across all competitions for his new club so far, with Mendy keeping 15 clean sheets in that period.

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