Manager v player is an all-too familiar dynamic at Chelsea. So, as Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted at Wembley, you would understand if the Blues board were suffering from chilling flashbacks.
Maurizio Sarri’s predecessor, Antonio Conte, took on Diego Costa in January 2017. A training ground row was sparked by the Spain international’s desire to leave for China while Chelsea were on a mission to win the Premier League.
The Italian manager led Chelsea to the title four months later despite the infighting. But, Conte being Conte, he made no attempts to disguise his fury with Costa.
There were extraordinary scenes during the Carabao Cup final between Man City and Chelsea
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga appeared to go down with an injury during extra time
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri tried to bring on Willy Caballero, but Kepa refused to be subbed
Chelsea’s hierarchy feared the feud would cost them millions. Atletico Madrid — who wanted to re-sign Costa — low-balled Chelsea knowing Conte had no intention of reintegrating him in the team.
In the end Chelsea did well to get £57million for the controversial striker, but they could have driven a harder bargain had the conflict not played out quite so publicly.
Fast forward two years and here we are again. Only this time, Chelsea have moved to take the sting out of an issue that threatened to turn into a crisis.
It's not the first time there's been a rift between manager and player at Chelsea football club
Kepa arrived in the summer for a world record fee for a keeper of £72million.
The last thing Chelsea need is for that investment to be devalued. Admitting a player has openly disobeyed the manager would certainly open up that possibility.
Sportsmail sources say there is a degree of anger within the corridors of power at Stamford Bridge over the way Kepa refused to be replaced by Willy Caballero as penalties loomed in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.
However, Sarri, self-combusting with anger in the Wembley dugout, provides an indication that all is not well.
He ranted wildly in Italian, Antonio Rudiger playing peacemaker as the manager made his fury crystal clear.
During the tirade, Sarri is said to have accused Kepa of openly disobeying him. ‘How
