This warning comes in the wake of pointed criticism from former Watford captain Troy Deeney, who highlighted Sanchez’s poor positioning in a goal conceded against AC Milan during a pre-season match. As Chelsea prepare for their season opener against Crystal Palace, these concerns about Sanchez’s reliability have sparked debate about his role as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and whether he can handle the pressure of a demanding campaign.
Sanchez, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2023, has been under scrutiny for his inconsistent performances. Despite a strong showing at the Club World Cup, where he helped Chelsea secure a 3-0 victory over PSG in the final, his recent displays have raised doubts. Deeney, speaking on talkSPORT, expressed serious reservations about Sanchez’s ability to perform in high-stakes situations.
He specifically referenced a goal conceded against AC Milan, where Sanchez’s positioning at the near post was deemed inadequate, allowing a shot that Deeney believes should have been saved. This critique aligns with a broader pattern of errors, with Sanchez having made five mistakes leading directly to goals in the Premier League last season, more than any other player in the competition.
Maresca, while publicly supportive of Sanchez, has acknowledged the goalkeeper’s need for improvement. After a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, where Sanchez’s reckless decision to rush out of his goal left him stranded and allowed Erling Haaland to score, Maresca noted that Sanchez is “fully aware” of his shortcomings.
The Italian manager emphasized that while he trusts Sanchez, the goalkeeper must elevate his performance to meet the team’s expectations. Maresca’s comments reflect a delicate balance: he backs his player but has hinted at the possibility of dropping him if mistakes persist. This was evident when Sanchez was briefly replaced by Filip Jorgensen, a summer signing from Villarreal, for matches against Southampton and Ipswich earlier in the season.
Deeney’s critique goes beyond technical errors, pointing to a recurring issue with Sanchez’s decision-making in pivotal moments. He argued that despite Sanchez’s flashes of brilliance, such as his performances at the Club World Cup, his body of work suggests he is prone to letting Chelsea down when it matters most.
This perspective is shared by some Chelsea fans, who have voiced frustration on social media, particularly after Sanchez’s error-strewn display against Manchester City. His fumble of a corner against Wolves and a panicked pass against Brighton further fueled concerns about his reliability under pressure.
Chelsea’s failure to secure a high-profile replacement, such as AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, has added to the unease. The club reportedly balked at Maignan’s £20 million price tag, opting instead to bolster their attack with signings like Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.
This decision has left Sanchez as the de facto number one, but his position is far from secure. Filip Jorgensen, who has impressed in cup competitions, looms as a potential challenger, and Maresca’s willingness to rotate keepers suggests he is open to change if Sanchez falters.
As Chelsea gear up to face Crystal Palace, the spotlight will be on Sanchez to prove his detractors wrong. The opener is a chance for him to demonstrate resilience, but a misstep could intensify calls for Jorgensen to take over.
Maresca’s faith in Sanchez, coupled with Deeney’s warnings, sets the stage for a critical early test in a season where Chelsea aim to build on their fourth-place finish last term. With a young squad brimming with potential, the goalkeeping position remains a question mark that could define their campaign.
