Cudicini believes that Sarri and Kepa have adapted very well to life in the Premier League
Carlo Cudicini stood in for a sick Gianfranco Zola in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup and provided his verdict on how well Maurizio Sarri and Kepa Arrizabalaga have adapted to life in England.
Arrizabalaga, who was signed for a club-record £71 million from Athletic Bilbao in the summer, has been a reliable presence for the Blues between the sticks, helping the club to ten clean sheets in the Premier League this term.
And Cudicini is very impressed with the kind of adaptability that the Spaniard has shown in a relatively short time duration.
“It is especially [difficult] for a goalkeeper, the Premier League is a different way,” Cudicini told reporters at Stamford Bridge. “I do remember when I first joined here and obviously it was a big difference with the physicality and the speed of the game.
“It’s a completely different way of playing the game. I think he’s adapted really well. He was straight in, he didn’t have a lot of time to get used to this football but he’s coping very well. We are all very happy about his performance.”
And Cudicini explained his role in helping both Conte and now Maurizio Sarri, who is aiming to make a big step in winning his first trophy as a manager with a Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham on Tuesday.
“It’s always difficult for foreign managers to come and change and be part of the Premier League,” He added. “The Premier League is a different league. It’s one of a kind, with so many games. And so, the challenge and the competition is so high.
“I had the luck to work with Antonio Conte before and now with Maurizio and it’s a big difference from any other country. So it takes a bit of time to understand how it works and what’s going on. Obviously, Gianfranco next to him is a big help.
“He is one on the staff that’s had a chance to have some experience in this league and he’s doing his best to make his life a bit easier. But, you know, the team is doing well and can only improve. We are on the right way.
