Chelsea news: Kepa Arrizabalaga denies disobeying Maurizio Sarri in Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City

Chelsea news: Kepa Arrizabalaga denies disobeying Maurizio Sarri in Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City
Kepa Arrizabalaga insists he never intended to disobey Maurizio Sarris orders in Chelseas Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.The Blues boss was furious when Kepa refused to be substituted in the second-half of extra time on Sunday.3

Kepa saved one penalty in the shootout

The goalkeeper had been treated for cramp and Sarri intended to introduce substitute glovesman Willy Caballero in his place.However, Kepa refused to leave the pitch and stayed in goal for the penalty shootout, which Chelsea lost 4-3 as City secured back-to-back Carabao Cup triumphs.Explaining his actions, Chelseas no.1 told the clubs website: First of all, I have to say it was misunderstood. In no moment was it my intention to disobey, or anything like that with the boss.Sky Sports3

Sarri had one or two things to say to Kepa but the two were separated at the end of the game

Just that it was misunderstood, because I had been attended to by the medics twice, and he thought that I wasnt in condition to continue.It was two or three minutes of confusion until the medics got to the bench, and they explained everything well.This was nothing to do with the problems I had this week, with [my hamstring] it wasnt that. And, well, it was misunderstood. Because he thought I couldnt continue, and – fundamentally – I was trying to say that physically I was fine.I know if you see it from the outside, I dont know how it went out, it is not the best image. I have spoken with the boss. I think it was misunderstood.I understand that on television, on social media, theyre talking about this but I am here to explain it, to say that it wasnt my intention to go against the manager.3

Maurizio Sarri was left incensed by Kepa’s refusal to leave the pitch

We have spoken now, and I was only trying to say Im fine. He thought I wasnt fine.Kepas actions appeared to undermine Sarri, who could face the sack after failing to win the first major trophy of the season.The Italian is under increasing pressure as Chelsea have lost three of their previous four Premier League games.Sarri downplayed Kepas refusal to come off and claimed it was a ‘misunderstanding’.The row is set to only increase speculation over Sarris future at Stamford Bridge. Kepa added: I dont think it has to be the major act of this final. I understand we played a good level against one of the best teams in the world.We were close to winning, obviously were sad that we didnt, and I think the team needs to continue playing like this, because today weve shown we can compete against the best teams.Among the negatives, we have to take the positives.

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