Maurizio Sarri says he still has backing of Chelsea players despite Kepa Arrizabalaga rebellion in Carabao Cup final
Maurizio Sarri insists he still has the backing of his Chelsea players, despite his meltdown and the incredible scenes with Kepa Arrizabalaga in Sundays Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.The worlds most expensive goalkeeper has been accused of embarrassing and disrespecting his manager by refusing to be substituted during the Wembley clash.Kepa had been struggling with cramp and, with the game still locked at 0-0 and approaching a penalty shoot-out, Sarri was ready to replace him with number two Willy Caballero.Sarri couldn’t believe Kepa refused to come offgetty3
Sarri couldn’t believe Kepa refused to come off
But the rebellious Spaniard furiously refused to leave the pitch, screaming NO and waving his finger towards the touchline. It sparked an even more furious response from his boss, who tore at his clothing, gestured to his staff and even threatened to walk off the pitch.
Kepa v Sarri what is going on at Chelsea?
  • Maurizio Sarri has incredible meltdown in Carabao Cup final as goalkeeper Kepa refuses to be substituted
  • Sarri could leave Chelsea post after being humiliated and undermined by the goalkeeper
  • Chelsea boss dismisses Kepa incident as just a big misunderstanding
The incident has split opinion, with some saying Kepa should never play for Chelsea again after his insubordination, while others have claimed Sarri could leave his role after being undermined in such a high-profile game.The manager has since dismissed the entire episode as a big misunderstanding, although he admitted Kepas conduct was wrong.Kepa insists to team-mate David Luiz and referee Jon Moss he’s okay to continue playing3
Kepa insists to team-mate David Luiz and referee Jon Moss he’s okay to continue playing
talkSPORT football reporter Ian Abrahams spoke with Sarri after the game, and he asked the Italian: Im sorry to have to ask you this but, after what has happened today, do you still have the backing of your players in the dressing room?Sarri responded curtly: If you saw the players and the match, you have the answer.Im proud of my players today and Im disappointed for them. Im really, really happy with the performance because we conceded nothing against the best team in Europe To claims that his authority as manager was undermined by Kepas actions, Sarri said: You can remain with your opinion, of course, but I told you the truth. It was a really a big misunderstanding.But I want to speak to him – he was right for the reason [to remain on the pitch], but he was wrong for the conduct.Few are likely to truly believe the Blues boss explanation, especially given his explosive reaction on the touchline.Sarri was quite clearly absolutely fuming with the goalkeeper, and at one point appeared to consider leaving the pitch down the tunnel, before deciding to turn around and stomp his way back to the dugout.Sarri threatened to go down the tunnel, but decided better of it and eventually returned to his seat3
Sarri threatened to go down the tunnel, but decided better of it and eventually returned to his seat
And the Italian admitted, in his native language, that at the time he was rather pissed off.Asked how he felt in that moment, Sarri responded: In Italian I can say incazzato, but I dont know in English.To which his translator jokingly explained: he was very upset!

Ex-Chelsea man Wayne Bridge has said he is 'very surprised' to see Maurizio Sarri still in a job at Stamford Bridge.Speaking to Sky Sports News, Bridge questioned why the 60-year-old has not been
Maurizio Sarri - Wikipedia

Chelsea Have No Plans to Fine Kepa Arrizabalaga After Carabao Cup Row With Maurizio Sarri ?Chelsea have no intentions of punishing Kepa Arrizabalaga after the goalkeeper dramatically refused to be substituted during the side's Carabao Cup final clash against Manchester City.
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During the 2019 EFL Cup Final against cup holders Manchester City, with the match at 0-0 and a penalty shootout imminent, Sarri called for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to be substituted off for Willy Caballero; formerly of City, and whose penalty saves won them the 2016 League Cup final. However, Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted.

The moment Kepa showed the 'ultimate disrespect' to Maurizio Sarri after refusing to be subbed. The more you see, the more it gets worse! It has been described by some pundits as a "disgrace" and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has come in for plenty of criticism for "disrespecting" his manager Maurizio Sarri in the Carabao Cup final.
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Maurizio Sarri insists he still has the backing of his Chelsea players, despite his meltdown and the incredible scenes with Kepa Arrizabalaga in Sunday's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
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Maurizio Sarri says he still has backing of Chelsea players

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Chelsea's Eden Hazard has said the players "are all with" manager Maurizio Sarri and that they must "take responsibility" for getting the Blues' season back on track. Hazard's response has been to
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