A team meeting held after Chelsea's loss turned heated, according to reports, as Maurizio Sarri and Cesar Azpilicueta were involved in a heated exchange. This is according to the Times who report the pair got into a row over the incident following that defeat to Arsenal.
After losing 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, the Italian boss ripped into his team. The newly-appointed boss shocked everyone in his post-match conference after that London derby defeat by publicly criticizing his men.
The former Napoli tactician insisted that it is difficult to motivate the current Blues player in a rant that many predicted would backfire. Sarri's choice of words reportedly did not sit well with Azpilicueta who hit back in the team meeting.
The Spanish full-back, who has worn the captain's armband for the majority of this season, spoke out against the Italian and he was not alone. The 29-year-old had the backing of Willian who also did not appreciate the Italian's public shaming.
However, fears that this could lead to a breakdown in the relationship between Sarri and Azpilicueta could be misplaced. The 60-year-old recently hailed the former Marseille man as a natural leader at Stamford Bridge, suggesting that he highly rates the defender.
The Premier League giant will return to action on Sunday, as they will take on Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup fourth-round. This comes straight after their win over Tottenham in the Carabao Cup which booked them a meeting with Man City in the final.
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