David Luiz has revealed what he told Kepa Arrizabalaga during a dramatic incident in Sunday’s EFL Cup final.
Chelsea were defeated on penalties by Manchester City, on an eventful afternoon at Wembley.
Kepa’s refusal to be substituted late in extra-time, having gone down injured, led to Maurizio Sarri almost walking down the tunnel in anger.
It was a moment that defined the match and the goalkeeper’s behaviour has been largely criticised since.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Luiz explained the role he played in the drama, saying it was a confusing situation:
I just said to him we have to respect the decision of the coach.
But, I don’t know if the coach wanted to change him because he was feeling pain or it was his [tactical] decision.”
I think the coach he wished to do the substitution because [he was not sure] of the injury, he didn’t understand that.
It was a bizarre incident and it can’t have helped the concentration of the Chelsea players going into the shootout.
Kepa failed to make a routine save from Sergio Aguero’s poor spot-kick – he did keep out Leroy Sane’s effort – while Luiz saw his penalty hit the post.
Sarri’s future has now subsequently been thrown into fresh doubt, although he has received much support, having seemingly been overruled by his own player.
