Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri wants to send a strong ‘message’ to all Chelsea players with the omission of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from the Blue’s starting lineup. Kepa was been dropped by the former Napoli boss for their clash against London rivals Tottenham and the Italian gaffer described the decision as a “message”.
Maurizio Sarri said he wanted to send a message to his squad after dropping Kepa Arrizabalaga from the starting XI for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Tottenham. Kepa refused to be substituted during Sunday’s EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester City, but both the goalkeeper and his coach explained the incident away as a misunderstanding.
Chelsea’s record signing was subsequently fined a week’s wages by the club for his conduct and, for the visit of Spurs, has been replaced by Willy Caballero – the man who was ready to come on when Kepa stood his ground at Wembley. Addressing his selection ahead of kick-off at Stamford Bridge, Sarri was keen to stress that Chelsea are a team and not a collection of individuals. “It’s a choice,” he told BT Sport of the decision. “It’s a message for my group that we are a group and not 25 players.”
Chelsea’s next match is against another London rival Fulham, who are struggling at the moment with their manager, Claudio Ranieri, who is a former Chelsea manager and a Premier League winner with Leicester City, has his job on the line. The game will be player at the home ground for the Blues, the Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Do you think Maurizio Sarri will recall Kepa into the starting lineup or continue with Willy Cabballero? Drop your comment in the comment box to share your thoughts