'Inconsistency leaves us where we are in the Premier League': Azpilicueta wants consistency after Carabao Cup defeat

What's the story?

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has rued his side's recent inconsistencies following their loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final last night, stating that he is frustrated that they were not able to show their level as a club who is used to competing for titles.

In case you didn't know...

Sunday saw Chelsea succumbing to a 4-3 defeat on penalties in their Carabao Cup final against defending champions Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola's men sealed an early advantage during the shootout after Jorginho's shot was saved by Ederson. Raheem Sterling then struck home the game's decisive penalty to give City their first silverware this season.

Chelsea were initially hoping to avenge their 6-0 loss to the Manchester side in the Premier League but ultimately squandered the chance to do so. Maurizio Sarri may have lost the opportunity to lift his much-awaited first trophy but the Blues are still in the running for a Champions League spot as well as a Europa League title.

The heart of the matter

Azpilicueta has now expressed his desire to see a more consistent Chelsea at work and hopes that they will get back to being the team that fights for trophies.

Speaking to Sky Sports (via Goal), the defender said, "We knew that we had to fight very hard against a very strong team, we had chances to win the trophy and lost on penalties."

"We are disappointed as we were close to being the champions but it was not the case. We have to recover now."

"First of all obviously we did a very good effort everyone involved we ran a lot and fought a lot. We lacked a bit with the ball, but we had good chances as well. Now it's time to recover."

"We are disappointed as our fans were amazing and it's been a long way until today to get to the final. We deserve to be here, but we were not able to win the cup on the penalties."

The defender further blamed Chelsea's recent inconsistencies as the reasons for their slump in the Premier League but hopes that they can earn a Champions League qualification and be focused enough in the Europa League.

"We are Chelsea, we are used to competing and fighting for trophies, but at the same time it's frustrating as we don't show our level and this inconsistency leaves us where we are in the Premier League."

"We have to be focused and play in the Europa League, also to try to qualify for the Champions League, so hopefully we are ready to fight for it."

What's next?

After the disappointing cup defeat, Chelsea will hope to resurrect themselves from their slump when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Wednesday night.