Tuchel says that he encouraged Kepa to see the recent opportunities as a fresh start.
The Spaniard earned the right to play the 2nd game after a clean sheet in the FA Cup, the boss states.
Tuchel feels there’s a strong bond between the keepers despite their competitiveness.
However, Tuchel believes he cannot hide Mendy’s status as first-choice.
“Well I encouraged him [Kepa] to see it as another opportunity and to take it as a fresh start, and to see the possibilities for him in it, and this is what he did,” Thomas Tuchel said at a press conference on Friday.
“So he earned his right to play, earned his right to play another game, he had two clean sheets, and that’s the best a GK can have for his confidence.
“And of course we see that, because everybody loves to play. This is important for us that the group of goalkeepers is strong together.
“I feel a strong bond in them together, even though they are competitors.
“They are a team within the team, and we need all of them ready because games are coming at the highest level every three to four days.
“Edouard is the number one and deserves to be the number one. You cannot hide your opinion, things have to be clear and you cannot be afraid of it.”
Mendy, who has kept 14 clean sheets in 25 appearances for the Blues, has not started either of the last 2 games.
Kepa has come in for the Senegalese and managed 2 clean sheets against Barnsley and Newcastle.
Do you think Kepa deserves a longer run in the side or should Mendy be brought back? Discuss below!
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