Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says Robert Sanchez has his backing as the club’s No.1.
The manager was asked about the goalkeeping situation earlier this week and the Italian was adamant that Filip Jorgensen would not be replacing Sanchez anytime soon:
“At the moment, the N1 is Robert Sanchez. At the moment, there is no doubt Robert is the N1. Filip is doing fantastic in the Carabao Cup, the Conference League.”
Supporters on X don’t believe Sanchez is the long-term answer in goal and many think Maresca will go back on his decision:
He’ll be gone next season
— Larry (@larrychinoona) October 30, 2024
I get PTSD everytime he plays from the back
— Hale (@__hale10) October 30, 2024
Sanchez is always making mistakes
— blue footy (@FootyBlue) October 30, 2024
Sell him
— Up The Chels (@SW6TONY) October 30, 2024
Maresca needs to try Jorgensen
— Oma Mich (@mich_oma36431) October 30, 2024
Consistency is the name of the game for GKs
— Samuel (@BlueSamCR7) October 30, 2024
At his age inconsistency shouldn’t be a problem. But sadly it is. That’s why I can’t bank on him to be our number 1
— HAYFORD (@mr_alternate_x) October 30, 2024
Sanchez’s stats do stand up to scrutiny
Based on shot-stopping alone, the Spaniard is one of the best in the Premier League this season. He has prevented 1.7 goals more than expected.
In context, only four other keepers have a better record (after more than 2 league matches). Newcastle’s Nick Pope (+4), Manchester United’s Andre Onana (+3.9), Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels (+3.8) and Liverpool’s Alisson Becker (+2.7) are the only ones performing at a higher level than Sanchez.
Chelsea need a world-class No.1 to challenge for trophies
If Maresca does want to win the Premier League and other major honours, he needs a goalkeeper who can be consistent; something Sanchez has struggled with since his arrival from Brighton.
You do feel that the 26-year-old will be replaced in the near future to make way for someone with a higher ceiling.
Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
