Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has endured an error-strewn season for the Blues and despite Enzo Maresca regularly giving him backing, it appears he could be benched sooner rather than later
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admits he has some thinking to do over Robert Sanchez’s place in the side after yet another howler.
The Spaniard – a £25m signing from Brighton in 2023 – has endured an error-strewn season for the Blues. He has made five errors leading to goals this term alone, the latest coming in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat against Manchester City.
Sanchez had rushed out of his box to close down Erling Haaland, only for the City striker to simply loft the ball over his head. And despite Maresca having previously given Sanchez his backing, he has admitted for the first time that he could consider dropping the out of form goalkeeper.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Italian said: “Robert, for sure, is completely aware he has to do better. He knows perfectly. In this moment it is like this.
“The good thing is he is the first one knowing, aware that he has to do better…we trust Robert for sure. He is completely aware he is making mistakes in this moment. We trust Robert. We have one entire week and we will see the reaction for the next game.”
Sanchez, 27, has made 21 appearances for Chelsea this season – all coming in the Premier League – but he has accumulated just four clean sheets. Maresca’s claim over his position comes just a week after he had expressed his unwavering trust in the goalkeeper.
Speaking after the win against Wolves, Maresca said: “Fourth mistake leading to a goal? And how many times has he saved us? I think more than four. No problem. Mistakes happen to him, to the strikers, central defenders, no problem. Robert is doing well.”
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Sanchez could potentially be replaced by Filip Jorgensen, who was signed from Villarreal in the summer but he has so far been restricted to Europa Conference League appearances. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Chelsea are interested in signing a new goalkeeper in the near future.
Haaland also gave his verdict on Sanchez’s error despite being the beneficiary. He said: “Sanchez was mistiming it. The opportunity was there to chip it in the back of the net. I thought he was going to get it at first because I saw him but then I saw he stopped.”
Chelsea are back in action next Monday as they welcome West Ham to Stamford Bridge ahead of an FA Cup fourth round trip to Brighton.
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