Kepa Sympathises With Dropped De Gea

By Max Wise

Kepa Arrizabalaga has expressed sympathy with David de Gea after the Manchester United goalkeeper was dropped for the third consecutive game as Spain beat Sweden 3-0 in the EURO 2020 qualifiers on Monday.

Kepa was once again in goal against the Swedes just as he did against Faroe Islands last week, winning his sixth Spanish cap in the process, as De Gea again watched from the bench following an error-strewn end to the season for Manchester United.

De Gea had a turbulent final few weeks between the sticks for Manchester United after making errors leading to goals against Barcelona, Manchester City and Chelsea.

The 28-year-old former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper has won Manchester United’s player of the year four times in the last six seasons and has bailed his team out with some eye-catching saves so many times.

Despite getting his chance to impress, Kepa, who is the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, admits it is sad to see De Gea on the bench.

Speaking to reporters after Spain moved five points clear in Group F, Chelsea keeper Kepa told reporters: "I'm going to continue working as I have until now, doing my best at my club to keep the confidence of the coach.

"Whoever plays will do very well. Of course I understand that David is sad, we all train to play and then it is the decision of the coach, and it is up to you to respond well."

"I have a great relationship with David," Kepa continued. "We train a lot of the time together apart from the team, as well with Pau Lopez, because we are keepers.

"We have a relationship from many years ago and we don't need to say anything to each other to help each other."