Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez has endured a turbulent season, marred by costly errors that have put his starting spot in jeopardy.
Despite fending off competition from Djordje Petrovic earlier in the season, Sanchez’s performances have come under heavy scrutiny, leading to his recent benching by head coach Enzo Maresca.
After a critical mistake against Manchester City, Maresca opted to start summer signing Filip Jorgensen in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over West Ham.
While Jorgensen conceded a goal to Jarrod Bowen, the young goalkeeper earned praise for his overall performance.
Maresca defended his decision post-match, stating that Sanchez needed a break from the spotlight.
“Robert needs rest, and Filip did very well,” he said. The manager’s words hinted at a temporary pause for Sanchez rather than a permanent demotion.
Marc Cucurella, Sanchez’s former Brighton teammate and close friend, remains optimistic about the goalkeeper’s ability to bounce back. “I told him to stay calm—it happens to everyone,” Cucurella said.
“The key is to keep working hard in training and fight to turn things around.” He emphasized their strong friendship, assuring Sanchez of his support.
For Cucurella, Chelsea’s win over West Ham was a much-needed boost. He acknowledged the team’s early struggles but praised their resilience.
“The first half was tough—they sat deep, and we made a mistake that cost us. But we fought back, and winning at home with our fans was important.”
Sanchez’s fate remains uncertain, with Chelsea set to face Brighton in the FA Cup. Whether he will reclaim his place remains to be seen, but his teammates believe he has the strength to return stronger.