Caballero: Tuchel wanted me to save penalties in the UCL final
The veteran goalkeeper has spoken about his side’s preparation for the Champions League final against Manchester City.
Chelsea defeated Manchester City with a 1-0 result to win their second Champions League trophy in May. Pep Guardiola’s side were not able to equalize the game before the final whistle, but
Willy Caballero
reveals he was the favorite goalkeeper to play against the Citizens in the potential penalty shoot-outs.
"He did that in the Super Cup because Kepa was better at saving penalties than Edou,"
Caballero told
Goal.
"It’s incredible because ahead of Manchester City [in the Champions League final], he watched all the penalties that were being executed during training with the scouts of Chelsea."
Caballero spent three years at Manchester City from 2014 to 2017. Tuchel thought the Argentine’s experience as a former Man City player might boost his performance.
"He considered an opportunity for me to be in the penalty shootout if that situation arrived in the final. He thought my emotion of being a Man City player before would also help
"Because of this, he thought I might be a bit ahead of Kepa. He told me in this match that I would be the option.”
Tuchel’s side defeated Villarreal on penalties to win the UEFA Super Cup earlier this month. The German manager replaced Edouard Mendy with Kepa Arrizabalaga for the penalty-shoot-outs, which was followed by the Spaniard's stunning performance.
"So I was watching the Super Cup, because I am a Chelsea fan supporting my friends, I said to my wife that Kepa is coming on soon,"
Caballero added.
"I was right and I was happy for Kepa because last season was tough for him. He missed the Euros but he saved the penalty and Chelsea won. The two of them showed an example for goalkeepers everywhere."
Caballero decided to leave Chelsea this summer as he was not happy with his situation as a third-choice keeper. The 39-year-old, who is currently without a club, seems motivated to continue his football elsewhere.
"Some people didn’t understand why I turned down a contract as a third goalkeeper," he said. "I believe I am playing at this age because I have always been motivated.
"As a third goalkeeper last season, I found it really tough. It was my first season as a third-choice goalkeeper. I was losing my motivation at Chelsea. I believe for this reason to not renew with Chelsea, to try to find a new challenge to keep that passion alive inside."
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