Neville doubts Lampard’s claim about one Chelsea player

Joe Williams
Frank Lampard Chelsea

Gary Neville doubts Frank Lampard’s post-match comments claiming he is “very happy” with Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Kepa – the club’s record signing – struggled under Lampard last season and was heavily criticised throughout.

Chelsea have been linked with a number of replacements, with a move for Rennes stopper Edouard Mendy most consistently talked up.


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The Spain international started in the Blues’ 3-1 victory over Brighton on Monday night with Leandro Trossard’s strike for Brighton raising further questions about Kepa’s ability.

Despite that, Lampard claimed he was pleased with how Kepa is performing for the west Londoners.

“I am very happy with Kepa,” Lampard said after the match.

“With the shot I’m not sure if he could’ve done any better. But I saw a bit more confidence in how he was playing. Kepa is here, he’s our keeper and I’m happy with him. If we are bringing in competition, it will be competition.

“That’s the nature of Chelsea and it goes throughout the squad.”

However, Neville is not convinced that Lampard is happy with Kepa, especially with his record of conceding shots from outside the box.

“I don’t think he is [happy with Kepa],” Neville told Sky Sports.

“I wouldn’t be, but, yet I know full well, having been in a coaching position, been in a changing room, you have to back your goalkeeper.

“You must back your players, you have to support them publicly but privately that goal, it’s a really poor goal to give away.

“He conceded so many goals from outside the box last season, he’s conceded another one tonight and it will cost you.

“If you don’t have a top goalkeeper, you won’t win that league. At this moment in time he makes far too many mistakes.

“He lets too many goals into the back of his net that should be saved. Nineteen goals conceded from outside the box – that is a sorry story for a £70million goalkeeper.”