Kepa Arrizabalaga reveals ‘big misunderstanding’ with Maurizio Sarri | OneFootball

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·30 July 2021

Kepa Arrizabalaga reveals ‘big misunderstanding’ with Maurizio Sarri

Article image:Kepa Arrizabalaga reveals ‘big misunderstanding’ with Maurizio Sarri

Unfortunately for Kepa Arrizabalaga and Maurizio Sarri, their moment in the League Cup Final is going to be the one that both men will be forever associated with when it comes down to their Chelsea careers.

The Blues were facing Manchester City in the final at Wembley Stadium in the 2019 edition of the tournament and the game was heading for the penalty shootout as extra-time was approaching the end with a 0-0 scoreline.


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The Spanish goalkeeper went down with what appeared to be an injury in his legs, requiring medical treatment, which then prompted Sarri to look at getting Willy Caballero on the field as a replacement ahead of the penalty shootout.

However, what ensued were some rather extraordinary scenes as the fourth official’s board went up signalling that the change was being made but Kepa refused and continued to gesture towards the bench that he was fine and did not need to leave.

This sent Sarri into a frenzy as he left the dugout – perhaps to play at a real money casino to cool off after becoming furious and ranting at everyone – before returning to watch his team lose on penalties, with Kepa still in goal. Of course, there were plenty of media reactions and social media reactions to the event, with many claiming the ‘keeper was the Chelsea manager.

However, in a rather revealing interview, Kepa has since revealed what happened and provided his detailed account of events regarding the situation, claiming it was all a big misunderstanding, whilst also revealing he regretted the entire turn of events as he had only tried to waste time and not disrespect his manager.

Writing in the Players’ Tribune, he said: “It was all a big misunderstanding.

“Manchester City were dominating the game in extra time and there was barely any time left until penalties.

“After making a save, I felt something in my leg and I called for the physio to make sure it was nothing. Above all, though, I wanted to make sure that we as a team could catch our breath.

“Suddenly, I saw that the coach, Maurizio Sarri, had sent Willy Caballero to warm up.

“He thought I couldn’t go on. My intention, right or wrong, had only been to waste time to help the team. I didn’t have any serious problem that was going to keep me from continuing to play.

“I tried to signal that I was ok, that I wasn’t injured. But we were at Wembley in front of more than 80,000 people, so of course Sarri didn’t understand me.

“When the fourth official raised the board, clearly I should have come off, and I’m sorry I didn’t.”

He would later go on to admit he was wrong, but that it was an issue that had been forgotten about internally after he hit the headlines around the world for what he had done, as many would have likely gone on to find the best American online casino to play at and enjoy the best gambling experiences possible.

Unfortunately for Kepa, things have not necessarily improved for the Spaniard despite having a rewarding 2019, as he has been demoted to number two behind Edouard Mendy, with his future at Stamford Bridge far from secure.

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