Sarri confident he still has board backing after Kepa row

Cape Town - Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri says his relationship with the Blues hierarchy has not been affected by the Kepa Arrizabalaga furore.

The 60-year-old Italian was already under intense pressure due to results and he could do without incidents like the one that occurred on Sunday.

Kepa's refusal to be replaced with penalties looming in the Carabao Cup final with Manchester City, which the Blues lost 4-3 in the shootout, overshadowed an improved performance, but prompted plenty of questions over whether Sarri had the support of his players.

"My relationship with the club is like before," Sarri said speaking ahead of Wednesday's huge game against Tottenham.

Sarri spoke with director Marina Granovskaia, a key confidante of owner Roman Abramovich, prior to and after the Wembley loss.

The conversation following the defeat was about the handling of the Kepa situation, with the Blues board fining the 24-year-old a week's wages which will be donated to the Chelsea Foundation charity.

"I spoke with Marina this week, before the final, just for good luck," Sarri told reporters.

"I spoke to Marina after the match about the Kepa situation."