Kepa Arrizabalaga says losing his first-team place at Chelsea is “not a dream situation” but he is “confident” of turning things around.
Spain international Kepa, 26, who is the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, joined the Premier League club from Athletic Bilbao for £71m in 2018.
“In the life of a footballer there are ups and downs,” Kepa said. “But in the end what is in my hands is to work.”
Kepa, who was dropped by Frank Lampard last term, began the new campaign as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Senegal goalkeeper Mendy, 28, has impressed when starting the last two games but Kepa believes he can bounce back.
“I feel good, strong, and confident. During your career sometimes you have to live moments like this,” said Kepa, who is Luis Enrique’s Spain squad for the games against Portugal, Switzerland and Ukraine over the next seven days.