Chelsea

Kepa believes Sarri’s style will suit him

[/media-credit] Kepa is rated among Europe’s top keepers

Kepa Arrizabalaga expects to have no trouble adjusting to playing under Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea.

Arrizabalaga became the world’s costliest goalkeeper when he signed for £71m in a seven-year deal from Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.

And the 23-year-old Spain international says Sarri’s preference for playing from the back and demanding good technical ability from his goalkeeper will pose no problem.

“I think I will be able to adapt,” Arrizabalaga said, speaking through a translator in his first news conference as a Chelsea player.

“I find his style very attractive. I had references from him from players like Pepe Reina [former Liverpool keeper], and very good references from other players too.

“Maurizio’s style is not unlike the style used in the national team where I have played for many years so I don’t think it will be a problem.

“I realise the game in England is different, but I have lot of friends playing in the English league and they have given me fantastic references about playing here and I am looking forward to it.”

Arrizabalaga, who replaces the outgoing Thibaut Courtois as the first-choice number one at Stamford Bridge, said the high fee was also not a concern.

[/media-credit] Courtois got the move to Real Madrid he wanted

“It’s something I don’t think about,” he added. “I will just be myself, the same as I have always been. I will put everything I can into being here and I will put in everything I can.

“There will not be additional pressure. I am player who demands a lot of myself.

“This is an experience and all experiences make you better. I think it will make make me a better goalkeeper.

“I expect to achieve a great growth – personal growth and as a collective in the team. I hope we will win many titles and I hope that in seven years I can look back and be very proud of what I have achieved.”



James Ross
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James Ross