Sarri undecided if goalkeeper will start against Spurs
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri says he does not want “to kill” goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, but has not yet decided if the Spaniard will start against Tottenham today.
The 24-year-old has apologised and was fined a week’s wages for refusing to be substituted during Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City.
“I have to decide [if he will play], maybe yes, maybe not,” Sarri said.
“He made a really big mistake. For me it’s finished.”
The Italian added: “I spoke with Kepa. Then we spoke altogether, because he said sorry to the technical staff, but it was not enough.
“Then he said sorry to his team-mates, to the club. I think he made a big mistake, but we need to be [bigger]. We don’t want to kill him.”
Asked if Kepa not starting against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge would be a punishment or a tactical decision, the 60-year-old said: “It will be a decision for the [good of the] group. For all the players.
“He [Kepa] has to [be mentally ready to play]. He made a mistake. A big mistake. There are some consequences. If the consequence is to play, he has to be ready to play. If the consequence is the bench, he has to be ready to go to the bench.”
Kepa, the Chelsea club record £71m signing, defied Sarri’s attempt to substitute him for Willy Caballero before City won on penalties.
The Italian appeared furious and walked down the tunnel before quickly returning and after the match said the incident had been “a misunderstanding”.