Manchester City have won the 2018/19 Carabao Cup, but hardly anybody is talking about Pep Guardiola's side in the aftermath of the final. The focus has instead been on Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa, who refused to be substituted at the end of extra time in the game, greatly angering Maurizio Sarri in the process.
— Kepa Arrizabalaga (@kepa_46) February 24, 2019
Chelsea would of course go on to lose the penalty shootout, although Kepa did save one spot kick. The player's actions have been widely condemned by fans and pundits alike after the incident, feeling that it was incredibly disrespectful to go against the wishes of his manager in such a manner.
The player has now responded to the criticism, saying the incident has been portrayed falsely by the media:
— Kepa Arrizabalaga (@kepa_46) February 24, 2019
Upset and sad for not being able to take the title, we fought until the end against a great team. We will continue working to be stronger. I would also like to clarify some facts from today's match:
First of all I regret how the end of the match has been portrayed. At no time has it been my intention to disobey the coach or any of his decisions. I think everything has been misunderstood in the heat of the final part of a match for a title.
The coach thought I was not in a position to play on and my intention was to express that I was in good condition to continue helping the team, while the docs that had treated me arrived at the bench to give the message. I feel that the image that has been portrayed was not my intention. I have full respect for the coach and his authority.
Yeah, we're not so sure. While emotions certainly run high in big games, this was an incredibly disrespectful act. We all know that Sarri is under massive pressure at Chelsea at the moment, and this incident will only add to that.
It was perhaps also telling that no other players on the pitch attempted to persuade Kepa to go off, indicating the disconnect between Sarri and the rest of the dressing room.
