Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel took full responsibility for his team's Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool after his decision to bring on Kepa Arrizabalaga for the penalty shoot-out backfired.
The game ended goalless after 120 minutes, though both sides had goals disallowed for offside at Wembley.
Tuchel brought on goalkeeper Kepa with just minutes of extra-time remaining, but the Spaniard was unable to keep out any of Liverpool's 11 penalties and sent his own kick over the bar.
The London side had their chances before the game went to penalties, with Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz all seeing goals chalked off for offside, while Liverpool's Joel Matip also had a goal ruled out.
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Before the game, Chelsea technical and performance advisor Petr Cech had spoken about how difficult a decision it was to leave Kepa out of the starting XI.
“We have top goalkeepers, they both perform on the top level this season,” the former Blues keeper said.
“It makes it hard. The same with the other players, 25 member squad but can only field 11 players.
“We chose to go with Edou because he’s our number one goalkeeper, he came over here, trained and is fit. I think it’s a hard decision to make but he’s our number one, he plays.”
Chelsea have brought Kepa on specifically for penalties before, though, with Tuchel notably going down that route in the UEFA Super Cup final, and the manager took full responsibility for his actions.
Kepa had also replaced Mendy for the Super Cup in Belfast, and saved from Villarreal duo Aissa Mandi and Raul Albiol as the Champions League holders claimed victory.
"We feel bad for [Kepa], of course. It was a bit harsh that he was the guy to miss the one and only penalty but there is no blame.
"I take the decisions when I take the decisions and I can't re-judge them when I know the outcome," he said.
"We don't know what would've happened if we left Edou on the pitch.
"No blame on Kepa. Blame on me as I'm the guy who takes the decisions. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. This is life as a football coach."
Chelsea will not have much time to reflect on their defeat, with the Blues back in action against Luton Town in the FA Cup on Wednesday.
After that comes a Premier League trip to Burnley, before Tuchel's men travel to France to face Lille in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.
The London side hold a two-goal advantage as they aim to keep their European title defence going, with goals from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic giving them the upper hand after the first leg.
