Luiz Issues Sarri Backing

David Luiz has insisted Kepa Arrizabalaga’s refusal to be substituted was not indicative of Maurizio Sarri losing the respect of his Chelsea players.

Sarri’s position is precarious after a run of poor results, but the 60-year-old Italian showed some tactical flexibility and his team put in a valiant performance in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final with Manchester City, who had beaten the Blues 6-0 just two weeks earlier.

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City retained the trophy with a 4-3 penalty shootout win at Wembley, but the match was overshadowed when Kepa declined to go off, sparking an angry response from Sarri.

Both parties later played down a misunderstanding and Luiz was adamant the players are on Sarri’s side. “The coach has the power over the group. He has our respect,” Luiz said.

“For me, there is not a problem here for that. We all believe in his philosophy, we all believe in the way he wants us to play. “That’s why we did a great game against the best team in Europe at the moment.

“Apart from that, it was a misunderstanding and we all want to do what is best for Chelsea.”