Enzo Maresca says Chelsea star must improve: 'Far from where I want him to be'

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Enzo Maresca is not happy with one of his Chelsea players (Picture: Getty)

Enzo Maresca has conceded that Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has a lot of improving to do and is ‘far’ from the level he demands.

Sanchez has been reinstated as the Blues’ first-choice keeper since the arrival of Maresca this summer but has endured a mixed season in between the sticks.

The Spaniard has made has made four errors leading to goals in the Premier League, a total only bettered by Ipswich Town keeper Arijanet Muric.

His latest high-profile error came during Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Wolves on Monday when a dropped ball allowed the visitors to draw level in the first half.

The 27-year-old was subjected to jeers from his home fans in the second half, and Maresca admitted that Sanchez still has plenty of work to do to improve his levels of performance.

‘He's getting better but he's still far, far, far from where I want him to be,’ the Chelsea boss said of his keeper ahead of his side’s clash with Manchester City on Saturday.

And Maresca was not willing to give any guarantees that Sanchez would be his first-choice keeper next season.

Robert Sanchez has endured a mixed season in goal for Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Enzo Maresca has backed his first-choice keeper for now (Picture: Getty)

‘I'm not thinking about the seasons coming. I'm thinking about this season,’ the Italian added.

‘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.’

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Asked about the jeers Sanchez was subjected to by his own fans, Maresca said: ‘That 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.

‘I didn't speak with Robert. I consider that kind of moment part of our job. You have to learn that you have to deal with that.

‘It’s already happened in the past with Robert, and he did quite well.’

While Sanchez will receive a stay of execution until next season, Chelsea are reportedly already sizing up alternatives in the summer.

Filip Jorgensen, who has mainly been used in cup competitions, could be given his chance, while the club have also been linked with a move for £40m-rated Parma keeper Zion Suzuki.

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