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."
Football news - Wolves beat Bournemouth in their best top-flight run for 38 years. Wolves' previous top-flight campaign in 2011-12 ended with just 25 points and relegation.
Wolves beat Bournemouth in their best top-flight run for 38
Gymkhana bemoan 'unfair' treatment. Gymkhana FC were booted out of the National Football League, with the Football Association of Singapore also withdrawing "all financial privileges" for the season.
Shamir Osman, News & Top Stories - The Straits Times
Football: Singapore Premier League club Warriors barred from foreign hires by Ministry of Manpower for 2nd time - The Straits Times SINGAPORE - For the second time in eight months, Singapore Premier League (SPL) club Warriors FC have had their work pass privileges suspended by the
Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
soccerfinale.com/2019/04/25/premier-league-10-things-to-look-out-for-this-weekend-football/
1) City must roll up their sleeves again at Burnley Pep Guardiola is not usually short of post-match praise for his players, but he struck a different note after the Manchester derby win.
Austrian president dismisses all FPO ministers except one
Bologna players celebrate after scoring their side's first goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Lazio and Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on May 20, 2019.
Bologna earn 'miracle' Serie A survival in six-goal Lazio
Gianni Infantino sole candidate for FIFA presidency in June vote The 48-year-old has been in charge of FIFA since February 2016, after succeeding the disgraced Sepp Blatter following the
Football: Gianni Infantino re-elected FIFA president
Chelsea's Olivier Giroud seeks France return to boost game time Olivier Giroud, is hoping to get a starting role with France as he has not started a Premier League game for Chelsea since the club signed Gonzalo Higuain.
Chelsea's Giroud seeks France return to boost game time
The Emirates FA Cup; League Cup; Champions League; Klopp: Players unfazed by my exit. Klopp relayed the reactions of the players to his decision to the assembled press, saying: "Nobody
Ruben Neves stunner hands Jurgen Klopp's side an early FA Cup
Signs of Manchester United revival in loss to City: Wes Brown But former United defender Wes Brown saw a glimmer of hope, one that could spark a reversal of fortunes and hopefully propel the
Dua Signs Of Manchester United Revival In Loss To City: Wes Brown
gedco.net/dua/Signs-of-Manchester-United-revival-in-loss-to-City:-Wes-Brown/
Source: Manchester Evening News Signs Of Manchester United Revival In Loss To City: Wes Brown. Read Signs Of Manchester United Revival In Loss To City: Wes Brown by Manchester Evening News
Football: Guardiola hails 'legend' Aguero as Man City inch
If you don't want to eat more to reduce hunger, this article will show you how to suppress hunger without food. Hunger is one of the biggest obstacles for people trying to lose weight. And unless you learn how to control it, it can stop you from losing weight. You probably know that eating high fiber foods can reduce hunger. But did you know
Joe Cole expects Tottenham stars to be on the phone to their
Blackburn brought a five-match winless run to an end by securing a fine victory against West Brom on New Year's Day and could cause a shock on Tyneside with a Rovers victory good value at 4/1. Cardiff to win by two goals @ 15/4. Finally Cardiff City's style of play should ensure they do not suffer defeat at League One side Gillingham.
Karim Benzema saves Real Madrid blushes with late Huesca winner a barely-deserved 3-2 winner over bottom club Huesca. MADRID: Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema (C) challenges SD
Benzema saves Real Madrid blushes with late Huesca winner
0 comments:
Post a Comment