LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga insisted he has full respect for manager Maurizio Sarri after refusing to be replaced in the final stages of his side's League Cup final loss to Manchester City on penalties.
Sarri was visibly furious when Arrizabalaga refused to leave the field after needing treatment, but the Italian coach later claimed his anger was the result of a "misunderstanding".
"At no time has it been my intention to disobey the coach or any of his decisions," Kepa wrote in a statement issued on his Twitter feed.
"I think everything has been misunderstood in the heat of the final part of the match for a title.
"The coach thought I was not in a position to play and my intention was to express that I was in good condition to continue helping the team, while the docs that had treated me arrived at the bench to give the message.
"I feel the image that has been portrayed was not my intention. I have full respect for the coach and his authority."
Arrizabalaga saved Leroy Sane's penalty in the shoot-out, but could have done better with Sergio Aguero's effort that slipped under his body as City retained the trophy 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw.
Sarri repeatedly gestured at Arrizabalaga to come off, then began to storm down the tunnel in rage before returning to the touchline for the final minutes of extra-time and penalties.
Â
However, speaking after the match, Sarri backtracked as he suggested it was a communication issue that caused the problem.
"In that situation there was a big misunderstanding," Sarri said.
"I understood there was a problem and we needed a change. I didn't find out until the doctor arrived to the bench after a few minutes.
"It was a big misunderstanding. I understood the goalkeeper had cramp and for me he was unable to go to penalties but the problem was not cramp so he was able to go to penalties."
The controversy casts a further cloud on Sarri's future with reports prior to the match suggesting he could be sacked if Chelsea failed to beat the English champions.
"If I was in the dressing room I would expect the manager to come in and deal with it straight away," said former Chelsea captain John Terry in his role as a TV pundit.
There have been several reports that Chelsea's players have lost faith with his methods and Arrizabalaga's behaviour only added to that perception.
The Blues are languishing in sixth in the Premier League, but did put in a far more spirited display than the one that saw them thrashed 6-0 by City just two weeks ago.
"After this match I have to say that I'm sure (I have the backing of the players) because they played exactly how I asked today and I am proud of my players," insisted Sarri.
"We showed to everyone we could become a very solid team. Against Manchester City is not easy so I am really very happy with my players, proud of my players."
Investigators launched an underwater operation to recover the body that was found in the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Argentine Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson."We are
UK rescuers launch bid to recover body from Sala's plane
(Reuters) - Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a member of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County ahead of their Championship (second-tier) match on Friday. Derby said earlier that local police had spoken to a person acting suspiciously outside their training ground on
Leeds Manager Bielsa Admits Sending Spy to Derby - News18
Football: Gordon Banks' illustrious career extended beyond
Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha has been given a one-match ban by the Football Association for improper conduct after sarcastically applauding referee Andre Marriner. Zaha was punished following
Zaha sees appeal against ban for sarcastic clap at referee
Feb 23 (Reuters) - - Newcastle United's 2-0 win over 10-man Huddersfield Town on Saturday eased their Premier League safety fears and sent the Terriers hurtling ever faster towards relegation to the Championship. The top-flight's basement club looked lost again as soon as captain Tommy Smith was
Soccer-Newcastle plunge 10-man Huddersfield closer to the
With the midfielder departure from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea FC will make move to sign a new midfielder to replace him. The Blues have been linked with Leandro Paredes and Nicolo Barella as a possible replacement. And we believe they will step up with the transfer and get it completed before the end of the January transfer window.
Super Rugby: Blues without rested All Blacks pair for crucial
There's still one round of matches remaining to be played in Spain's La Liga but already big changes are happening with the division's top teams. Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid
Real Madrid Barcelona Sold Direct on eBay | Fantastic Prices on Real Madrid Barcelona
AD
A body recovered by British investigators from the submerged wreckage of a plane that went down in the Channel has been identified as that of footballer Emiliano Sala, police said on Thursday.The
Emiliano Sala's Body Identified as Family Pays Tribute to
This is because, as the NY Times reports, there is a real risk that Cristiano Ronaldo could be detained or taken into custody in the USA; after investigations still remain into his supposed sexual
ICC questions: Madrid without Ronaldo, Mourinho mood
Liverpool title bid hit by Matip injury. On December 12, 2018 7:23 pm In Sports by Idowu Bankole Comments. Liverpool defender Joel Matip will be out of action for up to six weeks after suffering a
Liverpool title bid hit by Matip injury | Sport24
May 23, 2019 · Thailand's Richest Japan's Richest How Football Can Become A Game Changer For Girls' Leadership. head coach in Right To Play's Lebanese program, Generation Amazing, is a powerful example
Coaching Game Changers
Mauricio Pochettino isn't happy in the slightest. Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has hit out at the FA by labelling their decision to hand him a two-game touchline ban 'completely unfair'.
Mauricio Pochettino: Tottenham boss 'sad' over 'unfair
Football: Noh Rahman embracing learning curve as Home United
League Cup: Harry Kane's VAR penalty gives Tottenham edge over Chelsea Harry Kane's 26th-minute spot kick, his 160th goal for Tottenham, was awarded after a lengthy, but correct, VAR decision and means Spurs remain on course to claim their first silverware since 2008.
Kane's VAR penalty gives Tottenham edge over Chelsea
0 comments:
Post a Comment