LONDON (AFP) - Kepa Arrizabalaga's extraordinary refusal to be substituted by Maurizio Sarri in Sunday's (Feb 24) League Cup final heaps the pressure on the beleaguered Chelsea boss as he desperately seeks consistency.
The Spaniard twice required treatment late in extra-time against Manchester City at Wembley, with the match heading for penalties, so the Italian boss planned for his substitution.
Willy Caballero, who saved three penalties for City in their 2016 League Cup final win, was readied to go on, but Kepa declined to leave the pitch - sparking confusion and angering Sarri.
Even after the bizarre incident, the world's most expensive goalkeeper had the chance to be a hero.
He saved Leroy Sane's penalty in the shootout, but could have done better with Sergio Aguero's effort that slipped under his body as Pep Guardiola's side retained the trophy with a 4-3 shootout win after a goalless draw.
Victory at Wembley might have bought Sarri time, particularly coming so soon after a 6-0 humbling by the same opponents in the Premier League.
But instead the 60-year-old Italian, who is yet to win a trophy in his managerial career, must prepare his players to host high-flying Tottenham in the Premier League on Wednesday, knowing he cannot afford to slip further behind the top four.
Â
Â
Sarri, Kepa and David Luiz, the closest player to Kepa throughout the incident, were "on message" after the match at Wembley, all insisting it was a misunderstanding, not insubordination.
"The coach has the power over the group. He has our respect," Luiz said. "For me, there is not a problem here for that. We all believe in his philosophy, we all believe in the way he wants us to play."
But former Chelsea skipper John Terry said the former Napoli coach was in a difficult situation, with the incident coming after weeks of speculation over his future and concerns over his style of play, dubbed "Sarri-ball".
"It leaves Sarri in a tough place," he told Sky Sports. "I'm surprised he didn't force him to come off." Ex-Chelsea striker Chris Sutton described the scenes as "mutiny at Chelsea".
"Kepa should be sacked, not Sarri," he told BBC radio. "He's been undermined - it's the worst thing that can happen to a manager."Â
Player powerÂ
Under International Football Association Board rules "if a player who is to be replaced refuses to leave, play continues" and it is not the first time it has happened.
In the Premier League in April 2017, while at Swansea, Lukasz Fabianski was injured in the 81st minute, declined a change in the 86th minute and conceded three goals afterwards as a 1-0 lead turned into a 3-1 loss to Tottenham.
Chelsea's history suggests players hold significant influence at Stamford Bridge. The hire-and-fire policy of owner Roman Abramovich means managers have a limited shelf life and players have previously exploited the policy.
This is not the same group as the one that defied Andre Villas-Boas or masterminded a Champions League win under Roberto Di Matteo, when the senior players were said to be more influential than the interim manager.
But the incident suggested there could be a leadership vacuum at Stamford Bridge.
Sarri replaced Antonio Conte in July and got off to a flying start, with Chelsea unbeaten for the first 18 competitive games.
But recent results have included the 6-0 mauling at City, a 4-0 loss at Bournemouth and a 2-0 defeat by Manchester United in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.
After the Spurs game, Chelsea have a run of what appear to be winnable fixtures before away matches against Liverpool and Manchester United in April.
But the question is whether Sarri still has authority in the dressing room and whether he will be given the time to turn things around.
Mourinho put on Ranieri's initials consequence of his sacking by Leicester last year, a sign of respect to the man who nine months earlier had taken them to the title. The Portuguese is having a hard time at Old Trafford with the Reds in eighth place,18 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and eight from the top four.
Premier League Sacking Season kicks-off as Fulham Fires Jokanovic
When Ikhsan reads, he reads aloud context and adapt it to another. and on his own. Ikhsan and his brother were also into play supported by their In Trackton, a black working-class father who
Full text of "Concert and Recital Programs 2010 - University
Tottenham v Porto LIVE: All the action here as starlets aim for European glory in quarter-final. The U19s are looking to make the semi-finals of the competition
Student aiming for Karate World and European Championship glory
But, for Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, the rumours validate his hard work and mean Read more at straitstimes.com. Pochettino 'happy' there's less focus on Spurs, Football News & Top
Pochettino very "happy" at Spurs and denies any Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho hinted Manchester United. Mourinho concedes Man Utd incapable of living with Liverpool. Victory took Liverpool back a point above Manchester City and a mammoth 19 clear of
Mourinho Concedes Man Utd Incapable Of Living With Liverpool
LONDON (REUTERS) - Fulham secured their first clean sheet of the season with some dogged defending in a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday (Dec 22).. Read more at
Fulham dig deep to deny Newcastle and earn first clean sheet
Raheem Sterling honoured with Integrity and Impact Award for racism fight. The Manchester City and England star was presented the award by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate
Manchester City star Raheem Sterling honoured with award for
April 27 (Reuters) - Ryan Babel struck a potentially deadly blow to Cardiff City's Premier League survival chances with a stunning 25-yard strike that secured Fulham a deserved 1-0 win at Craven
Soccer: Babel strike leaves Cardiff on brink of relegation
Chelsea's Giroud seeks France return to boost game time. Football Motor Sport Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud wants to move back to France when his contract expires at the end of the season
Chelsea reach Europa League semi-finals after beating Slavia Prague sport culture. sport (13) Chelsea reach Europa League semi-finals after Salah football
Chelsea vs Slavia Prague: Chelsea Survive Fright Night To
United not 'satisfied' despite winning run, says David de Gea. Manchester United's perfect record under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Man United not 'satisfied' despite winning run, says De Gea
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen