For Chelsea’s new manager Enzo Maresca, addressing the goalkeeper situation ranks highly on his agenda. After the team’s first pre-season match, which ended in a 2-2 draw with Wrexham, Maresca emphasized, “The goalkeeper is extremely important for the way we want to play. It is one of the key positions.”
Typically, new managers utilize the transfer market to bring in their preferred players, and Chelsea has made moves by signing Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal. However, Jorgensen is not expected to be the solution right away, as Robert Sanchez is poised to start the season as Chelsea’s No. 1 goalkeeper. While Jorgensen is intended as a backup, there are hopes he can contend for a starting role against Sanchez.
Sanchez’s retention as the first-choice goalkeeper may come as a surprise, considering his challenging first season at Stamford Bridge, characterized by inconsistency and an injury setback. His last appearance of the previous season occurred in early December, coinciding with impressive performances from stand-in Djordje Petrovic.
Maresca’s goalkeeping philosophy diverges from traditional styles, resembling that of an outfield player. This approach was evident during his tenure at Leicester, where he signed Mads Hermansen, a goalkeeper who played a crucial part in the build-up, effectively acting as an additional defender. Chelsea lacked this dynamic with Petrovic last season, potentially contributing to his surplus status ahead of the new campaign.
Sanchez, on the other hand, fits Maresca’s vision better due to his playing style. Even with limited playtime last season, Sanchez demonstrated superior pass completion and composure on the ball compared to Petrovic. His playing philosophy aligns with Maresca’s needs, as Sanchez has historically operated as an ‘advanced goalkeeper,’ engaging actively in the build-up play.
Despite the awareness of risks associated with this style—highlighted by a costly mistake against Arsenal last season—Sanchez acknowledges the importance of personality and confidence in fulfilling his role effectively. The challenge for him includes minimizing errors during play, especially within a high-risk strategy embraced by Maresca.
Maresca remains optimistic, asserting that building from the back carries inherent risks, but a successful strategy often leads to more scoring opportunities. Thus, adapting to his philosophy will be crucial for Sanchez and the entire team, as they gear up for a fresh start this season. The focus on enhancing the goalkeeper role is pivotal for Maresca as he embarks on his transformation of Chelsea.
