The Blues performed well and had chances to win the game in normal time, but after 120 minutes of action had failed to separate the teams, it went to penalties, with City winning it 4-3 after both Jorginho and David Luiz missed for the Blues.

Sarri was asked about an incident towards the end of extra-time when Willy Caballero looked set to come on for Kepa, but the Spaniard ended up staying on the pitch.

‘It was a big misunderstanding,’ said Sarri. ‘I understood he had cramp so I didn’t want the goalkeeper to go to penalties in that physical condition. I only realised the situation after three or four minutes when the doctor came to the bench. In the meantime I wanted Caballero on the pitch, and the keeper only wanted me to know he was in condition to go to penalties, so it was a big misunderstanding.

‘Kepa was right, even if the way he conducted himself was wrong. Mentally he was right, he was able to go to penalties, but I only realised everything when the doctor was able to come to the bench, not before. I was really angry.

‘I want to talk with him because he needs to understand that with a misunderstanding we can get in trouble, especially with you (the media). So I think I only have to explain the situation to Kepa but without any other problem.’