David Luiz told Kepa Arrizabalaga to respect Maurizio Sarri’s decision to take him off in the Carabao Cup Final defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
The 24-year-old refused to be replaced by reserve goalkeeper Willy Caballero after appearing to struggle with an injury deep into extra-time and with penalties looming.
In the ensuing drama, Luiz was the only Chelsea player who tried talking to Kepa and has cleared up on what he said.
“I just said to him we have to respect the decision of the coach,” the centre-back told Sky Sports.
“But, I don’t know if the coach wanted to change him because he was feeling pain or it was his [tactical] decision.
“I think the coach he wished to do the substitution because [he was not sure] of the injury, he didn’t understand that.
“[Kepa] was telling us he was good. He was okay. The game sometimes you don’t have much time to explain things, it’s okay.
Asked on why Sarri wanted to do the substitution, Luiz said: “I was not on the other side, so I don’t know.”