Cesar Azpilicueta says he pretended he was going to take Chelsea’s extra-time penalty in Saturday’s Club World Cup final win over Palmeiras to take the pressure off actual taker Kai Havertz.
Azpilicueta picked up the ball and stood by the penalty spot, with the Palmeiras players surrounding the defender to try to put him off.
But the Blues captain gave the ball to Havertz, who scored to win the game.
“It was a tactic because I knew how they are,” said Azpilicueta.
Chelsea defender Azpilicueta added:
“I knew they were coming for the penalty taker, so I took the ball.
“Kai knew that he was going to shoot so it was to release the pressure from him. It was a decisive moment and Kai is one of the best penalty takers.
“I waited and listened to everything their players told me, and I think it worked which is the most important thing.”
