Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga says he had 'no problem' with Frank Lampard and he is determined to turn things around at Stamford Bridge.
Kepa arrived on an eye-watering £72million deal from Athletic Club in 2018, and he is yet to win over fans, receiving plenty of criticism for his performances this season, in particular.
The Spaniard made a good start to life in West London, winning the Europa League, but after Lampard's arrival, things started to go South, particularly after one conversation at the end of the 2019/20 season when Kepa was told to improve by his new boss.
"It has not been an easy year for me, in terms of football," said Kepa in an interview with COPE. "It has been tough. It has been a complicated year, in every way, but we hope that we can turn it around.
"My first season, I arrived and it was a very good season, personally, I was at a good level, we won the Europa League, reached the final of the cup and we qualified for the Champions League.
"It was a good year, I played for the national team - all was good. I was very happy.
"My second season, we had a new coach and I spoke to Lampard, there was no problem. I tried to be my best version and last year, he told me I was not at my best.
"This season, at this moment, I haven't been playing and it's a complicated situation."
The conversation with Lampard clearly impacted Kepa's confidence, the 26-year-old starting this season in poor form, and he was quickly replaced by summer signing Edouard Mendy.
But Kepa does not hold it against Lampard, respecting the former Chelsea head coach for being honest and upfront.
"I didn't have a bad relationship with him, it was done correctly and I respect that it was face-to-face," he added. "It was true that I was not the player I want to be and I have no problem with him."
Kepa was also asked about whether he has considered leaving Chelsea after becoming number two. He replied: "I never raised the issue of leaving. Last year, I played, this year I am not playing but I don't start thinking of that (leaving).
"I want to play here, I want to stay here. I want to support the club and I want to show the player I am here. I want to turn things around, to start playing more and more, to give them a better impression and for them to have confidence in me.
"I look to the future."
Kepa will get a 'fresh start' according to new boss Thomas Tuchel, and while he does remain the club's number two, he has been given a chance to impress, starting each of Chelsea's last two games, keeping clean sheets in each of those games.
