Thomas Tuchel says his decision to bring on Kepa Arrizabalaga for the shootout in the Super Cup was pre-planned and based on “statistics” of his penalty save percentage.
Kepa was the Chelsea hero as he replaced Edouard Mendy in the last minute of extra time before saving two penalties to help the Blues beat Villarreal.
The Spanish goalkeeper denied Aissa Mandi and then saved Raul Albiol’s decisive kick to clinch a 6-5 shootout victory in Belfast.
Explaining the decision to bring on Kepa, Tuchel told BT Sport: "It was not spontaneous.
“We talked about it with the goalkeepers when we came and had the first cup game against Barnsley.
"So we had some statistics, we were well prepared, that Kepa is the best in percentage in saving penalties.
"The analysis guys and the goalkeeping coaches showed me, introduced me to the data, then we spoke with the players, that this can happen when we play in a knockout game, and since then they know.
"It's fantastic how Eddy accepts it. It's fantastic how this talk went before the cup game in Barnsley. Since then they know.
"Of course we needed to do what's good for the team. It was necessary. I'm happy that it worked.
"There is proof that Kepa is better at this discipline. These guys are true team players. I am happy for Kepa and happy for Eddy, to have a goalkeeper like this, to not show the pride to not step off the field, and is happy to do it for the team, to take one for the team. It's top."
