Chelsea legend and current coach Joe Cole believes that manager Maurizio Sarri should stick with Willy Caballero in goal. In what will go down as one of the most controversial moments in Chelsea’s history, first-choice keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted when Sarri intended to replace him with Caballero during the League Cup final against Manchester City last weekend. The keeper ultimately ended up staying on the pitch.
Kepa had reportedly been suffering from cramps and Sarri had intended to bring on Caballero ahead of the penalty shoot-out which was subsequently won by City. Despite spending most of his time nowadays warming the bench at Stamford Bridge, Caballero does have a reputation for being good at saving penalties so bringing him on would have made complete sense.
The majority of pundits and fans have been disgusted by Kepa’s behaviour and some have even called for him to never be picked for the club again. As punishment for his actions, the Blues fined Kepa one weeks wages. He was also not selected for Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory against Tottenham on Wednesday as Caballero got the nod over him.
The Blues claimed a morale-boosting win through a second-half goal from Pedro and an own goal from Kieran Trippier. Cole believes that Sarri should continue to select Caballero in goal. As quoted by BT Sport, the former England international said: “I think the manager’s in such a strong position.
“He made the right decision, the points are in the pocket. I think he leaves him in.
“And by the way he’s a full international, he’s a very good goalkeeper. He’s played for Manchester City, he’s played for big clubs, he won’t let you down.
“Sometimes the goalkeepers, you might say he’s not had much to do. By the way, he would have marshalled that defence, with his experience, telling them where to go.
“Chelsea looked solid and the players in front of him looked like they were organised. They were outstanding defensively.”
