Chelsea
boss Maurizio Sarri thinks the seeds of Chelsea's revival were sown in the
Carabao Cup final against Manchester City - despite defeat on penalties and
the well-publicised antics of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea arrived at Wembley with Sarri's future seemingly in question,
following some heavy defeats (4-0 at Bournemouth, 6-0 at Manchester City)
and a disappointing FA Cup loss at home to Manchester United.
However, Chelsea produced a fine display to match City in the final, losing
on penalties after a 0-0 draw - although their efforts were overshadowed by
Kepa's refusal to be substituted.
The goalkeeper was dropped for the subsequent game and also fined - and
since the Wembley loss, Chelsea have beaten Spurs and Fulham in the Premier
League, before Thursday's 3-0 defeat of Dynamo Kyiv in the first leg of a
Europa League last-16 tie.
Sarri said: "For me, it was really important, the performance in the final
against Manchester City, because two weeks before that we lost in
Manchester.
"But in two weeks the players were able to play at the same level as them,
so it was really very important for our confidence I think.
"I think at the end, the Kepa situation was a good thing for our group.
"In the last five matches, we won four and drew against Manchester City. In
five matches we conceded only one goal, so now we are improving in
consistency and defensive solidity.
"But we have to be careful because in the past we had a long period of
results and then, suddenly, two weeks of disaster."
While top-four rivals Arsenal and Manchester United square off this weekend,
Chelsea will play host to Wolves - and the Blues also have a home game
against Brighton to be fitted in at some point.
"I think that we have two big opportunities - this match and then when we
will play the match against Brighton," said Sarri.
"But I think we will be fighting for the top four until the last minute of
the last match. Every match will be important in our future."
Chelsea's hectic schedule has meant a heavy workload for their squad and
Ruben Loftus-Cheek's absence from the starting line-up on Thursday raised
eyebrows in some quarters, as it seemed an ideal chance to give the young
England midfielder a start.
But the 23-year-old has been struggling with a back issue and Sarri
explained: " I think that his physical condition is not at the top at the
moment, for playing 90 minutes.
"He was not in the starting 11 only for this reason.
"Because I wanted Jorginho on the pitch only for 50-55 minutes, and Kante
only for 40-35 minutes, and so I was not able to choose him because in my
opinion, it was another substitution.
"But his physical condition is improving and I think in two to three weeks
he will be able to play for 90 minutes."
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