Being a backup goalkeeper isn’t for everyone, but one man that takes his role very seriously and does everything he can to influence and help the club, is Willy Caballero.
The former Manchester City man has been nothing but professional since joining Chelsea 2 years ago. He has only ever been the backup keeper at the club and has grown used to watching on from the sidelines.
Although he isn’t on the pitch much, Caballero has been a hugely influential figure at the club in training, and in the dressing room. He breeds positivity and has a real love for Chelsea.
He is the perfect role model for the host of younger players now involved in the first team, and he will always have the upmost respect from the Chelsea supporters.
Now 38 years old and once again in his last year for Chelsea, it’s likely this season will be his last in football. So any opportunities he can get, he will be doing everything to help the team succeed.
Caballero has been speaking to the Chelsea website about life under Frank Lampard.
He said:
“I feel good, so I don’t have a problem to be the most experienced player, I am proud of it!’
“As an experienced player the most important thing is to open doors and be a good human group, push all together, and to involve all the new players as quickly as we can because it’s the best way to achieve a high level.
“The young players grew up in this club so they know what they have to show. The most difficult thing is then to actually show it, which they have done so we are happy.
“It doesn’t matter your age; we have to be ready to fight for the opportunity to play. We believe in ourselves because we represent Chelsea.
“Every player that is here can do this job, but to represent Chelsea means a lot. There is a lot of hard work to do in every single game, it doesn’t matter who the team in front of you is.
On his time at Manchester City playing alongside Lampard, he said:
“I have a lot of funny memories with him from training.
“I spoke to him about them when he arrived. It is good for me to have this season with him, but now he’s in a really different position so I have to be more serious with him!
“He has been a breath of fresh air for everyone, for the players and the club.
“The way Frank showed how he wants to play, it took us a little bit of time, but we are doing everything that he wants.
“We are really happy and we are training really hard in a very good way, with a very good mood. We are on a really good run and we will try to continue that.”
