Kepa Arrizabalaga has expressed his sadness over Chelsea’s decision to sack Thomas Tuchel last week.
The Blues parted company with the German the morning after their 1-0 loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.
Tuchel had spent 19 months as boss at the west London side and proved to be very successful during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Advert
He guided Chelsea to their second ever Champions League title just four months after he took the job, and also helped them win the Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Last Thursday, it was announced that Graham Potter would become the new head coach at the club, joining from fellow Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 47-year-old has already taken charge of his first game as Chelsea boss, with his debut in the dugout coming against FC Salzburg in the Champions League.
Kepa has now spoken on the side’s new head coach, who impressed during his time on the south coast with Brighton.
Advert
When speaking to reporters via the Evening Standard after the draw against Salzburg, he said: “He is very positive in his mind, he tries to give us positivity.
“We changed a couple of things in the line-up and the structure. So we have to adjust to that. Thinking, watching and understanding how we play.
“It’s the same for all the team. We want a good presence on the pitch, take the ball, attack as much as we can, and when we lose the ball recover it as soon as possible.
“Try to create chances, to involve the fans with the atmosphere in the stadium and we are going to step it forward because it is only two or three training with the (manager).
Advert
“So it is just the beginning. But we saw positive things. A good point to start (from).”
The Spanish goalkeeper, who has started in Chelsea’s last two matches, also commented on the departure of Tuchel, but spoke on the need to adapt to new boss Potter as well.
“We are sad because Thomas achieved big things with us,” said the 27-year-old.
Advert
“We had a very good time with him. It is sad always when one manager gets sacked.
“And now with Graham, we have a new start, different ideas and I think the fans are waiting to see what is going to happen and how it will be.
“So let’s train, let’s take his ideas quickly and now we have a couple of weeks without a game, so let’s train and get these ideas.”
Potter’s next game in charge as Chelsea boss will not be until the start of October, with a trip to Crystal Palace awaiting them after the international break.
Topics: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel
Robert Calcutt