Maurizio Sarri explains axing of Kepa Arrizabalaga

Kepa Arrizabalaga TEAMtalk

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri claimed dropping Kepa Arrizabalaga tonight was a “message” to his squad.

Willy Caballero was handed a start tonight against Spurs after being stripped off and ready to go on Sunday in extra-time before being forced to sit back on the bench.

At Tuesday’s press conference Sarri was undecided whether the young Spaniard, who is on the bench tonight, would keep his place in the side after his amazing act of defiance at Wembley.

Kepa, who twice required treatment in extra-time, waved away a substitution numerous times from the Blues bench before Manchester City won the shootout and lifted the Carabao Cup trophy.

Kepa and Blues manager Sarri insisted it was a misunderstanding, but the club announced the 24-year-old would be fined one week’s wages, which would be donated to the Chelsea Foundation.

And speaking BT Sport tonight, Sarri said: “It’s a choice. It’s a message for my group.”

Asked what message, he added: “That we are a group, and that we are 25 players. It’s my choice.”