Thomas Tuchel Makes Stunning Statement After Substitute Kepa Cost Chelsea Carabao Cup Trophy

• Thomas Tuchel has defended Kepa following Chelsea's Carabao Cup final defeat in the hands of Liverpool
• Kepa came under fire after he fluffed his spot-kick to deny the Blues a chance to lift the domestic trophy at Wembly
• The Spaniard was introduced into the match at the end of extra-time specifically for the shootouts but failed to save any of Liverpool's efforts

Thomas Tuchel has absolved Kepa Arrizabalaga from any blame after the shot-stopper cost Chelsea the Carabao Cup trophy against Liverpool.

Kepa, who was subbed on for the shootouts missed a decisive spot-kick to deny the Blues an opportunity to lift the domestic trophy.

His Liverpool counterpart Caoimhin Kelleher was the hero in the post-match penalties as he scored his before Kepa blasted his effort over the bar.

Tuchel explains Kepa decision

Tuchel has now come out to take the blame for the Carabao Cup defeat, insisting he is solely responsible.

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The Chelsea manager went on to defend his decision to sub off Edouard Mendy in favour of Kepa for the Sunday, February 27, thrilling final staged at Wembley Stadium.

Tuchel had opted to start Edouard Mendy for the showpiece before bringing Kepa on specifically for the shootouts.

The Spaniard keeper has a better track record of saving penalties than Mendy but failed to save any of Liverpool’s efforts.

Tuchel takes responsibility

"I am the guy who takes the decisions, sometimes it works out or not works out. This is the life of a football coach who does substitutions," the Chelsea boss said after the match.

"Sometimes you bring on a player and he scores and sometimes you bring on a player and he makes a decisive mistake.

"This is what happens so no regrets. If you need to take the blame, take it on me and I take responsibility for that, of course," he added.

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Ronaldo told to retire

Earlier, Sports Brief reported ex-Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf believes Cristiano Ronaldo should consider calling time on his football career.

This is after the five-time Ballon d'Or enduring a frustrating run of form that has seen him score just once since the turn of the year.

According to Leboeuf, he would rather have Ronaldo retire at the top than watch the Man United icon with 'pity.'