Kepa says he’s "no longer scared" at Chelsea and gives honest view on Lampard

Kepa Arrizabalaga has insisted he is "no longer afraid" after admitting he has had a difficult time of things recently.

The Chelsea goalkeeper was dropped by previous manager Frank Lampard after making a string of high-profile errors, and there were rumours of a falling out between the two.

But Kepa has recently returned to the starting line-up under new manager Thomas Tuchel, and kept a clean sheet in the Blues' 2-0 win against Newcastle last weekend.

Kepa certainly appears much more confident than in the past.

And speaking in an interview with Spanish outlet COPE, he lifted the lid on his situation at Stamford Bridge and his previous relationship with Lampard.

"Three months ago things were difficult," Kepa said. "It has been a complicated year for a number of reasons. But I have never thought about leaving Chelsea.

"I did not have any problems with Lampard. It's true that I did not give the best version of myself or play as I would have wanted. But we never had any issue.

"I hope to turn things around and I rely on my family, on trustworthy people, more than anything."

Kepa appears to be positive about the future, and seems certain he can keep hold of the No.1 jersey ahead of Edouard Mendy.

"I feel good after my period of inactivity," he added. "I hope to play more. I am no longer afraid and want to play an important part for Chelsea."

It remains to be seen if Kepa is given the nod again when Chelsea take on Southampton this weekend, with the team now in a strong position to finish in the Champions League qualification spots.

They currently sit in fourth place in the table but are level on points with West Ham.

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