Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca risked angering sections of the club’s fanbase after jumping to Robert Sanchez’s defense following the 3-1 win over Wolves.
The Spanish goalkeeper committed his fourth mistake, which directly led to scoring a goal in the English Premier League this season. Only one player – Ipswich’s Arjanette Muric – made more fouls, with five.
Sanchez brought down Matt Doherty’s corner to make it 1-1 before half-time before the Blues dominated the second half and scored two more goals through Mark Cucurella and Noni Madueke.
When asked about Sanchez’s latest mistake, Maresca told the Sky Sports interviewer: “You said the fourth mistake that led to a goal? Well, how many times did we save? I think more than four. So it happens, no problem.”
“Mistakes happen to him, the attackers and the centre-backs. No problem, Robert is in good condition.”
He added to the BBC:[Media attention] It is part of our job when you make some mistakes. We’ve saved Robert a few times, that’s what happens, no problem.
“If I’m not wrong, only four or five teams in the league have conceded less than us. So why? [ask about] Defensive problem? I think there is a good balance between attack and defence. Then you can concede a goal in any way.”
Chelsea fans expressed their frustration on social media as well as in the stands after Sanchez’s errors. The Stamford Bridge fans cheered sarcastically after he caught one ball at the start of the second half.
Many feel that Filip Jorgensen should get a chance over Sanchez. The Dane, 22, has kept more clean sheets than his more experienced teammate in fewer matches this season.
But Maresca appears to be keeping faith in former Brighton goalkeeper Sanchez despite his inconsistencies.
As Tosin Adarabioyo said: “I would never say that [Robert Sanchez] He should be in the spotlight when conceding a goal. Things happen, we learn and we move forward.”
The Italian coach added about the victory that returned Chelsea to the Champions League places: “In the first 40 minutes we were on top. The performance was very good, and we completely dominated the match, scoring and creating chances.
“Then the last five minutes happen – which happens many times in the last four or five games. We lost a little bit of confidence, conceded the goal and struggled a little bit.
He added: “We started the second half well, and after the second and third goals, things took control of the match.”
Maresca, 44, particularly praised three players: “They gave a great performance, Tosin and Trev (Chalupa). But I think all of them – also Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who was without a game for a long time – overall I think the performance was good.” good.
“We are happy that we won the match. Then from tomorrow we will start thinking about Manchester City, which will definitely be a difficult match. In the last five matches, we created many chances and did not score. Tonight we scored three goals.” “.
Chelsea face defending Premier League champions City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, where the Blues will be one of four teams – along with Liverpool, Fulham and Ipswich – to go above and beyond this season.
City won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the season thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic.