Can Sarri recover authority at Chelsea after Kepa incident?
Manager's days at Stamford Bridge look numbered after goalkeeper defies order from the bench to be substituted
London — Kepa Arrizabalaga’s extraordinary refusal to be substituted by Maurizio Sarri in Sunday’s 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 Arrizabalaga 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 humbli...
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