Lampard denies tension with Chelsea's board after dropping £72M Kepa

Frank Lampard asserted there's no unease between him and Chelsea's board following his decision to drop the world's most expensive 'keeper.

Kepa Arrizabalaga hasn't appeared in any of Chelsea's last three matches in all competitions following a dire spell of form. According to the manager, he, the club, and the board are all pulling in the same direction.

"I'm absolutely together with all the club and the board because we all want the best," Lampard said ahead of this weekend's visit from Tottenham, according to Agence France-Presse.

Lampard isn't paying heed to reports that his determination to drop Kepa angered the club's hierarchy.

"Certainly not. That fills a lot of headlines for people," he added.

Kepa, 25, joined Chelsea in August 2018 from Athletic Bilbao for £72 million - a world-record fee for a shot-stopper. He appeared in all but two of the club's 38 league outings in his debut season. This year, however, Kepa's outings have been marred by a litany of errors, prompting the recent demotion.

"It has been a decision to make on form with the goalkeeping situation. Recently, it's just changed, but that's nothing final," Lampard continued.

Argentine backup Willy Caballero was preferred to Kepa for matches against Hull City, Leicester City, and Manchester United. Chelsea won only the FA Cup match against second-tier Hull. They've conceded five goals over that span.

Lampard did not say whether Kepa or Caballero would start Saturday's meeting with Spurs, though the former midfielder did set guidelines for a potential return to the starting role for the exiled Spaniard.

"All Kepa needs to do is train and show a great attitude, as I demand from all the players. And things can obviously change," Lampard said.