sport news Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri defends his decision to recall Kepa Arrizabalaga

'He reacted very well today – I could kill him, but I think this was right': Maurizio Sarri defends his decision to recall Kepa Arrizabalaga after defying team orders in Carabao Cup final Maurizio Sarri defends decision to recall Kepa Arrizabalaga for win over Fulham The keeper was dropped for midweek win over Spurs for disobeying team orders Sarri's decision was questioned on Sunday by Graeme Souness and David Moyes But Arrizabalaga repaid Sarri's decision by producing several excellent saves

By Sami Mokbel for the Daily Mail

Published: 18:15 GMT, 3 March 2019 | Updated: 18:15 GMT, 3 March 2019

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Maurizio Sarri defended his decision to recall rebel Kepa Arrizabalaga following the Chelsea goalkeeper's heroic display at Craven Cottage.

Having been dropped for the midweek win over Tottenham for disobeying team orders in refusing to be substituted in last Sunday's Carabao Cup Final against Manchester City, the Spaniard was back in the Blues starting XI against Fulham.

Sarri's decision was questioned on Sunday, Graeme Souness and David Moyes stating they'd have kept Arrizabalaga out for longer if they were in charge.

Maurizio Sarri has defended his decision to recall Kepa Arrizabalaga for win over Fulham

But the goalkeeper repaid Sarri's decision by producing a string of excellent displays as Chelsea claimed west London bragging rights.

And Sarri said: 'There was only one other way: to put him out of the squad for the rest of the season.

'But Kepa is a man and understood, and reacted very well today. I could kill him, but I think this was right.

'I spoke with him and he understood. His behaviour