Manchester United legend Gary Neville does not believe Robert Sanchez is good enough for Chelsea.
Gary Neville has criticised Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez following his error in the Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Manchester City. Speaking during Sky Sports commentary (h/t Daily Mirror), Neville labelled Sanchez “not good enough” after Erling Haaland chipped him from outside the box for City’s second goal.
“It’s old school, classic Haaland,” Neville remarked. “You just can’t handle him. I don’t know what the goalkeeper is doing. He’s not good enough. Brilliant from Haaland. In the last few minutes, those direct passes have hurt Chelsea. Chelsea deserve this.”
This latest incident follows another high-profile mistake in Chelsea’s previous game against Wolves, where Sanchez spilled a routine catch, leading to Matt Doherty’s goal. The Spaniard now leads the Premier League with five errors directly resulting in goals, raising questions about his suitability as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Maresca acknowledges Robert Sanchez’s struggles
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has publicly supported Sanchez but admitted the 25-year-old is “far from where I want him to be.” Maresca remains committed to Sanchez for the current season but cast doubt on the goalkeeper’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
“He’s getting better but still far, far, far from where I want him to be,” Maresca said. “For this season? No doubt. But then in the future, we don’t know.”
Maresca also addressed the jeers Robert Sanchez faced from fans after his mistake against Wolves, emphasizing that such reactions are part of the game. “It is not very good for his confidence, but Robert is a professional who has to learn to deal with that kind of moment,” Maresca added. “It’s experience for him.”
Time for tough decisions?
With Chelsea now out of the top four after the loss to Manchester City, the pressure on Robert Sanchez continues to mount. The Spaniard has struggled to instil confidence in a defence that has shown flashes of solidity under Maresca’s leadership. The Blues’ next match against West Ham on February 3 will be a crucial opportunity for both Sanchez and Chelsea to bounce back.
Sanchez’s string of errors has cast serious doubt over his ability to serve as Chelsea’s long-term No. 1 goalkeeper. While Maresca’s support is commendable, the persistent mistakes risk derailing Chelsea’s ambitions this season. With the winter transfer window around the corner, Chelsea may need to consider bringing in reinforcements or fast-tracking their search for a new goalkeeper.
For Sanchez, improving his decision-making and consistency will be critical if he is to silence his critics and prove he belongs at Stamford Bridge. Whether he rises to the challenge or falters under the weight of expectation could define Chelsea’s season and his own future in it.
