Marc Pozzo
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 Kepa 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 humbling by the same opponents in the Premier League.
But instead the 60-year-old Italian, who is yet to win a trophy in his managerial career continues to fight for his job as Chelsea boss, as the pressure coming from could spell the end of the Italian.
Sarri, Kepa and David Luiz, the closest player to Kepa throughout the incident, were “on message” after the match at Wembley, all insisting it was a misunderstanding, not insubordination. I totally disagree, this was insubordination of the first degree, and I would go as far as to say this is a dismissible offence, no matter how much the player is paid per week. I don’t care who it might be. Even if it was Lionel Messi, this is a serious offence.
You have broken the clubs code of conduct by undermining your superior; end of the discussion . On Monday, Sarri said that the player had apologised, and the manager considered the matter closed. Closed far from it. The coach could be heard yelling his smokey lungs out, in the dressing room at Wembley in anger so how could he suddenly say the matter is closed! The coach has enough pressure concerning his own future and this might just tell us that he has lost the respect of his dressing room, and that there is mutiny at Chelsea. Imagine Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger, and in current managers Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp putting up with that nonsense. Firstly, it would never happen and secondly, the player would be shown the door, no matter who he is, and how much he is paid.
The late Bill Shankly who turned the fortunes of Liverpool in the 60s and 70s once said “ No player is bigger than the club “ . Chelsea’s hisHas Sarri lost control? tory suggests players hold significant influence at Stamford Bridge. The hire-and-fire policy of owner Roman Abramovich means managers have a limited shelf life and players have previously exploited the policy. This is not the same group as the one that defied Andre Villas-Boas or masterminded a Champions League win under Roberto Di Matteo, when the senior players were said to be more influential than the interim manager.
But the incident suggested there could be a leadership vacuum at Stamford Bridge. Sarri replaced Antonio Conte in July and got off to a flying start, with Chelsea unbeaten for the first 18 competitive games. But recent results have included the 6-0 mauling at City, a 4-0 loss at Bournemouth and a 2-0 defeat by Manchester United in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge and now a cup final defeat. Tough times have set in for Sarri and Chelsea, and someone will be used as the scapegoat and I am afraid Sarri the ex- banker could be yet the next casualty at Stamford Bridge . Next is Wales confident performance against England on Saturday where they now have the chance of a Grand Slam and a Six Nations title to their names if all goes to plan . It was a top class performances against an England team that just did not show up on the day. Wales outplayed and most of all out thought the Roses in all departments.
Just a trip to Scotland and then a home game against the Irish. Warren Gatlands men odds for the World Cup have been trimmed downwards from 14-1 to 12-1 . The mighty All Blacks are still the firm favourites to lift the Webb Ellis trophy for third time in a row . Now, I read that talented South African bowler Duanne Olivier’s decision to reject a national contract in favour of a Kolpak player in England . Cricket SA say they are disappointed and shocked ! Really? CSA have little to offer players these days and why would one turn down this deal to play and earn Sterling and have a secure future . Remember a cricketer has a limited number of years so they need to look towards the future. I will be brutally honest as I don’t support quotas in sport or in anything for that matter . Sport in SA is being driven by this Quota word and this is damaging the vast talent that is coming out of the country . Who cares, if the best eleven players on the field are black! That means they are best players we have to compete, I have no problem with this and vice versa . CSA say they are disappointed that the player has taken this bold step. Well – they seem to have not made the offer lucrative for the player to stay. This has been happening for a long time in SA cricket ,and the sport I believe is in trouble . Look at SA rugby players who are opting to ply their skills, overseas and in Japan . One, the money is far better, in fact it’s a massive pay packet and the other reason, is the issue of quotas for the Boks . I feel strongly about this and I have no problem with colour at all . Let’s just play sport, and let players skills do the talking on the field . Someone asked me if I support SA sport . I said “ I am an ABSA Supporter “ – “Anything BUT SOUTH AFRICA “ just for that very reason
