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Maurizio Sarri is to blame for Kepa Arrizabalaga bust-up, NOT Chelsea keeper - Steve Nicol
CHELSEA boss Maurizio Sarri is to blame for the row with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga during Sunday’s Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City.
Chelsea: Sarri is to blame for Kepa row says Steve Nicol
That is the verdict of Liverpool legend and ESPN FC pundit Steve Nicol.
Chelsea No 1 Kepa refused to be substituted in extra time despite his number being shown on the fourth official’s board.
The Spaniard had seemingly been struggling with cramp but he insisted he was fit to continue.
Sarri vented his frustration on the touchline, ripping his jacket off and throwing it before heading towards the tunnel and the dressing room.
Sarri has to stand at the side and he has to be calm. You have to be able to think about things
The Italian returned and the match continued with Kepa in-between the sticks for the Blues.
But Nicol says Sarri should not have left the touchline at all and could have prevented the saga from playing out.
“Sarri [is to blame], absolutely,” Nicol said.
“With him going down the tunnel, turning his back, walking back to the [dugout], he’s sending all kinds of messages.
“If, and I believe Kepa understood that he was only coming off because he was injured and he’s telling everyone he’s fine, when he sees the coach turn around and walking back towards the bench, then in his head he’s thinking ‘okay, I’m still on the field’.
“Sarri has to stand at the side and he has to be calm. You have to be able to think about things.
“Misunderstandings happen so you have to be cool under pressure, understand the situation and you stand your ground and when he gives it all this, you say ‘no, you’re off’.
“You stand there until the referee tells you you can’t any longer.
“You don’t run out, you don’t go back to the bench, you don’t run around throwing your arms about.
“You be strong and solid and make it very clear exactly what you want and that’s what’s going to happen.
“He did absolutely none of that.”
Kepa could only save one of Manchester City's penalties as Pep Guardiola's side won 4-3 in the shootout.
City have now retained a major trophy for the first time in their history.