Jamie Redknapp was full of praise for the Chelsea players despite their Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City on Sunday – but believes manager Maurizio Sarri could still lose his job.
City retained the League Cup in a shootout after Chelsea manager Sarri’s hopes of a long-awaited first trophy ended in bizarre fashion on Sunday with his keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga openly disobeying orders.
Raheem Sterling smashed home the decisive spot kick as City clinched the English season’s first silverware 4-3 on penalties, with the Wembley showpiece having ended 0-0 after extra time.
Notably, it was an improved performance from a Chelsea side who were thrashed 6-0 by City in the Premier League earlier this month.
Redknapp,writing in his latest column for the Daily Mail, was impressed by the Blues’ performance but still feels under-pressure Sarri is facing the axe for three particular defeats.
“If this is to be the end for Sarri, it won’t be this final that has got him the sack. Look instead to the 2-0 defeat by Arsenal the 4-0 drubbing at Bournemouth or the 6-0 by City.
“Whether they did it for their manager, Chelsea’s players grafted unbelievably hard to take City to penalties only a fortnight after that 6-0 hammering.
“They must try to build from here and channel all their efforts into making the top four.”