Enzo Maresca has issued a stark warning to one Chelsea player, suggesting his place in the team is under threat.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has expressed concerns over the form of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Maresca believes that Sanchez is "still far, far, far from where I want him to be" and has called on the Spaniard to improve.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper has faced criticism from Chelsea fans following a number of unconvincing performances.
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He was jeered by supporters during the 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night after making an error that led to Wolves' goal.
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What Maresca said
The Italian manager has backed Sanchez to remain his first-choice goalkeeper for the rest of the season but has warned that his place is not guaranteed beyond that.
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“He’s getting better but he’s still far, far, far from where I want him to be,” said Maresca.
“I’m not thinking about (if he will remain the No 1 for) the seasons coming. I’m thinking about this season. For this season? No doubt. But then in the future, we don’t know. It is not only about Robert. It is even about me, you know? I’m focused on this moment, this season.”
Sanchez joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2023 but has yet to fully convince the club's supporters that he is the long-term solution in goal.
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Asked about the jeers the 27-year-old faced against Wolves, the managed said: “For sure, it is not very good for his confidence, but also Robert is a professional who has to learn to deal with that kind of moment. It’s experience for him.
“He has to improve also to deal with that kind of moment during a game at home where the fans, for any reason, are not happy. He has to manage that moment.”
What next for Chelsea?
The Blues travel to Manchester City in Saturday’s Premier League action, aiming to remain in the top four.