Maurizio Sarri denies attacking Chelsea players after Arsenal defeat

'I didn't attack my players - I said only that we have a problem and the problem was motivation'

Maurizio Sarri has denied overtly criticising his players ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Following Chelsea's 2-0 defeat by Arsenal last weekend, the Italian publicly later questioned his players’ mentalities and later dismissed Eden Hazard’s leadership qualities.

But after watching his side see out a 4-2 penalty shootout victory to advance to next month’s Carabao Cup final, Sarri downplayed his initial criticism and praised Hazard’s performance at Stamford Bridge.

Sarri told Sky Sports: “I didn’t attack my players – I said only that we have a problem and the problem was motivation.

“We continued into this match and we reacted really very well, but now we have to show continuity I think.”

Asked specifically to comment on Hazard’s performance, Sarri added: “Very good, especially for 60 or 65 minutes – wonderful.”

Spurs, who had been seeking a first trophy since the 2008 League Cup, saw their slender first-leg advantage wiped out by a N’Golo Kante strike which went through the legs of Moussa Sissoko and Paulo Gazzaniga.

And Hazard – labelled an “individual player” and “not a leader” by Sarri on Wednesday – netted following a flowing move to give Chelsea a 2-1 aggregate lead.

Fernando Llorente’s header levelled the tie and penalties followed as neither side could find a winner inside 90 minutes, leaving them locked at 2-2 after two legs.

Eric Dier sent Spurs’ third penalty soaring into the Matthew Harding Stand and, after Jorginho put Chelsea in front, Lucas Moura’s weak spot kick was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

David Luiz kept his composure to drill low into the net as Chelsea reached the February 24 final with Manchester City, giving Sarri a chance to claim his first managerial silverware. The wait goes on for Mauricio Pochettino.