Maurizio Sarri has candidly spoken about the incident involving Kepa Arrizabalaga after Chelsea's defeat to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final.
The former Napoli head coach was preparing to bring on Willy Caballero, mainly for how Kepa looked like he had picked up an injury in extra-time.
However, the 24-year-old Spaniard refused to come off the pitch and left a red-faced Sarri to lose his cool in the dugout.
Advert
Following on from the match, Sarri said that the whole incident was a "big misunderstanding."
"I wanted Caballero on the pitch, but the goalkeeper wanted to let me know he was in [a] condition to go to the penalties," he added (via the Daily Mirror).
👏 - Maurizio Sarri discusses the incident involving him and Kepa Arrizabalaga in today's @Carabao_Cup final. A classy response after being undermined by a player, but where do @ChelseaFC go from here? Follow Manchester City's Carabao Cup win here: skysports.tv/mbW1H3
"It was a misunderstanding. Kepa was right, but in the wrong way he conducted himself.
Advert
"I thought Kepa was unable to go to penalties.
"I wanted Caballero on the pitch because I was afraid of his cramp, but the doctor explained it wasn't [a] cramp."
The Chelsea boss also revealed the real reason why he almost stormed down the tunnel after the incident involving Kepa.
"I needed to return to be quiet," he explained.
Advert
"He understood that I asked for a change for his physical problem and he said I haven't a physical problem.
"And he was right."
And straight away Sarri backs down by saying it’s a “misunderstanding” with medical staff.
Sarri’s a dead man walking any way so he may as well exert what little authority he has left and drop Arrizabalaga for the remainder of what remains of his Chelsea managerial career.
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
Sarri says the players played exactly the game he prepared, so he is in full control of the situation. He adds that today we decided not to press high in every situation, and we conceded nothing to the best team in Europe. #CHEMCI
Who was in the wrong: Sarri or Kepa?
Advert
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester City, Willy Caballero, Football News, Kepa Arrizabalaga, EFL, Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea, Football, Pep Guardiola, EFL Cup, Napoli