Grateful Cab’s lift for Kepa
Kepa,” after the keeper refused to be substituted in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat.
Kepa, 24, had to sit on the bench at Stamford Bridge and watch as Caballero
– the man who was supposed to have replaced him in extra-time at Wembley – kept a clean sheet against Spurs.
Caballero, 37, said he was surprised to be picked for the game by boss Maurizio Sarri.
The former Manchester City keeper said: “People in the stadium on Wednesday were involved in the game. That’s what we needed and we need it as a team in every single game we play at home.
“I felt very good when I found out I was playing, it’s a very hard decision. I have not had chances to play.
“When the boss confirmed the team I was surprised. I felt blessed to have the chance to play.
“I said to Kepa, ‘Keep going. I know it is a tough decision but you must keep going’. He said the same to me. We support each other.
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“Everybody involved learned something. It brought something good to the atmosphere of the team. That’s the good news, that we went through this.
“We passed the last few days in good harmony, talking about things and how to beat Spurs, and we did it.
“It was important what happened because it was in a final, but it doesn’t matter now. We improved and we are more together.”
There were reports that the world’s most expensive goalkeeper had a row with his understudy after the cup final defeat, telling the Argentine he was the better keeper.
But Caballero said: “Everything is okay between Kepa and I.
“We spoke about it after the incident and it was good to have a chat with him. He learned a lot from what happened.
“It’s not about experience. We make mistakes because we are human beings, we are people. But we have found people near to him to help him.
“The boss decided to put me in and Kepa was supporting me in the warm-up. We are in good harmony. We must keep going like this because as keepers we must support each other.” Chelsea will not face any punishment over alleged anti-semitic chanting, UEFA has announced.
The Blues were charged for racist behaviour during a Europa League match against Hungarian side Vidi in December.