Shaka Hislop believes the incident between Kepa and Maurizio Sarri is evidence of endemic issues within Chelsea’s coaching staff and dressing room.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been dropped by Maurizio Sarri for Chelsea’s vital Premier League clash with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge after his refusal to be substituted in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
Sarri has instead gone with Willy Caballero — the man who who was intended to replace Kepa for the penalty shootout that Chelsea ultimately lost to Manchester City at Wembley — in goal against Spurs.
“It’s a choice, it’s a message for my group,” Sarri said ahead of Wednesday’s match on the switch at goalkeeper.
Chelsea confirmed earlier this week that Kepa had been fined one week’s wages for waving away Sarri’s attempts to substitute him for Caballero in extra time against City, with the proceeds donated to the club’s foundation.
Kepa apologised for his public show of insubordination towards Sarri, calling it “a big mistake”, and Chelsea’s head coach said in a news conference on Tuesday that he did not want to “kill” his £71.5 million goalkeeper for his error of judgement.
Sarri has also restored Marcus Alonso, Mateo Kovacic and Gonzalo Higuain to his starting XI against Tottenham with Emerson Palmieri, Ross Barkley and Willian making way.
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