“I can’t lose my job because of you” “He cost us this game” – Enzo Maresca finally blames Chelsea star after 3-1 defeat to Man City
Chelsea have suffered a disappointing defeat at the Etihad, losing 3-1 to Manchester City after having taken an early lead with a score of 1-0. The entire team should be criticized for how they performed.
They were lacking intensity defensively, and created very little in attack after they were gifted the opening goal. Almost no one can claim they performed up to their standards today.
However, above all, there was one moment that let the side down. Unfortunately, it involved the same player who has been in the spotlight all week and for much longer than that.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez came to try and collect a Man City punt over the top of Chelsea’s defensive line, almost got there, then changed his mind and retreated back to his own goal. This gave Erling Haaland the perfect chance to chip him from miles out.
His own fans were booing him at one point – and we can understand why they’re lost their patience.
https://x.com/xGPhilosophy/status/1883229210912903436
Enzo Maresca finally admits his keeper is making mistakes
Enzo Maresca has consistently defended his goalkeeper, no matter how many mistakes he’s made. It’s all you can expect from a manager. He’s even got quite prickly when protecting him.
But today, speaking to the press after the game, he had to admit that he and Sanchez were both aware that he was struggling:
Robert Sanchez’s positioning turned a chance worth 0.03(xG) into a chance worth 0.42(xG).
“Robert is the first one [to admit] he knows he has to do better. Working hard every day [is the way to improve]. We try to have conversations with all of them,” Maresca said.
“We are making progress. We are better than one or two months ago. These moments will make us better. We trust Robert for sure but in the same moment he is aware that he is making too much mistakes.”
“Needs to step up or get replaced” Maresca added.