Sarri: Kepa substitution situation a misunderstanding

Kepa Arrizabalaga appeared to defy Maurizio Sarri's intention to substitute him, but the Chelsea manager said that was not the case.

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri appeared to be furious as Kepa defied his order to come off, with Caballero left confused on the sidelines during a long delay.

Maurizio Sarri  claimed  Kepa Arrizabalaga  seemingly refusing to be substituted during the  EFL Cup  final was a "misunderstanding".

Kepa twice required treatment during extra time at Wembley on Sunday, with  Willy Caballero  - Manchester City's shoot-out hero in the 2016 final - prepared to come on.

Sarri appeared to be furious as Kepa defied his order to come off, with Caballero left confused on the sidelines during a long delay.

After 120 goalless minutes,  Manchester City  went on to win 4-3 on penalties, Kepa saving from Leroy Sane but allowing a weak Sergio Aguero effort to creep beyond him, with Raheem Sterling converting the decisive kick.

Maurizio Sarri says the Kepa substitution confusion was 'a big misunderstanding' because he thought the player had cramp. However he says Kepa was right that he could continue although the way he went about it was wrong. Sarri says he needs to talk to Kepa now. #CHEMCI

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 24, 2019

 

Sarri, though, would not condemn Chelsea's record signing as he explained his view of the incident.

"In that situation there was a misunderstanding," Sarri said to  Sky Sports . "I understood there was a problem and we needed a change.

"I realised the situation and the doctor arrived to the bench after four minutes. It was a big misunderstanding.

 

"I understood the goalkeeper has cramp. I thought he could not do penalties, but the problem was not that bad and he was able to do the penalties."

Sarri appeared to consider leaving the Wembley pitch during the bizarre incident before returning from the tunnel area.

"No no, I needed only to be calm and quiet," the  Chelsea  boss added, repeatedly opting not to refer to Kepa by name.

"As I said to the goalkeeper, I asked for a change for his physical problem and he said I haven't got a physical problem. So he was right I think.

"When the doctor arrived to the bench [he said] the goalkeeper had a little problem and I wanted Caballero ready.

| @VincentKompany on Kepa's refusal to be substituted:

"I'll keep it mind next time I'm about to get subbed." #ManCity#CarabaoCupFinalpic.twitter.com/lKG98QC2OR

— Superbia Proelia (@SuperbiaProeIia) February 24, 2019

 

"I have to talk with him [Kepa] to clarify because now I understand very well the situation."

READ:  Manchester City defeats Chelsea to win EFL Cup as Kepa defies Sarri

Chelsea was demolished 6-0 at City in the Premier League two weeks ago but showed a vastly improved display after Sarri used Eden Hazard as a false nine, dropping Gonzalo Higuain to the bench.

"They played exactly how I asked them. Today I am proud of my players," Sarri continued. "You have to ask the club [about his future]. Here I am really very happy.

"In the last three matches we are improving, we have improved a lot. Today we showed to everyone we can become a very solid team.

"We conceded nothing to the opponents and against City it is not easy. So really very happy with my players and proud of my players.

"If you look at the performance it was really very good. In my opinion, against the best team in Europe."