“He’s not going to play again if he’s not careful” – Enzo Maresca sends strong warning to Chelsea star after what he did in 2-1 win over Newcastle
Robert Sanchez has been warned by Enzo Maresca to keep taking chances with his distribution and that if he starts putting safety first, he will be dropped.
With explosive combination Jackson Martinez and Cole Palmer leading the way once more, the Blues defeated Newcastle 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to recover from last weekend’s close loss at Anfield.
The defensive instincts of captain Reece James, who made two goalline clearances, were crucial in helping Chelsea hang on for all three points.
The nerves of the homes fans were hardly helped by a jittery display from Sanchez who coughed up possession on several occasions with reckless passes.
Maresca, however, has urged his current No.1 to ignore the groans of his own supporters, or risking losing his place in the starting XI.
‘He also did so many good [things],’ said the Chelsea boss, reflecting on the Spaniard’s display. ‘In the end, that is football.
‘I am the guy who asks Robert to do that. And Robert is going to do that. In the moment he stops to do that, he is not going to play.
‘If Robert makes a mistake, it’s not Robert’s problem, it’s my mistake because I asked that from Robert. I am very happy with Robert and the way he is playing, building from the back.
‘All the goal kicks we have and he passes the ball to Noni, and Pedro, that kind of ball that gives us many times chances to attack. Sometimes you make mistakes but it is not going to change the way we are going to play.’