Chelsea star issued strict warning by Maresca

Cameron Smith

• 28 Oct 2024 11:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has warned Robert Sanchez that he will be dropped from the starting XI if he stops playing out from the back.

The Spaniard has been heavily criticised since the start of the season, due to several high-profile errors, but Maresca has insisted that Sanchez must continue to be brave in possession.

Sanchez completed just 20 of his 40 attempted passes during Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Sunday, with the Blues frequently placed under pressure by their goalkeeper’s distribution.

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However, Maresca isn’t worried by the 26-year-old’s form.

“It’s football and I’m the guy who asks Robbie to do that [play out from the back],” Maresca told Chelsea’s official club website after their victory over Newcastle.

“Robbie is going to do that because the moment he stops, he isn’t going to play. If he makes a mistake, it’s not Robbie’s problem, it’s my problem, my mistake, because I ask that of him.

“I am happy with how Robbie is playing and building from the back. All the goal kicks we had where he passed to Pedro [Neto] and Noni [Madueke] that kind of ball gave us a chance to attack. Sometimes you make a mistake but it’s not going to change the way we play.”

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What else did Enzo Maresca say?

In addition, Maresca admitted that he was pleased with Chelsea’s performance at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues picking up their ninth win in 14 matches across all competitions so far this campaign.

“I am very happy with the performance today because in some moments on the ball, we were unbelievable. There were some good combinations and the way we prepared the game was exactly there.

“Off the ball, they fought together and showed they deserved to win. This is important.”

Chelsea are now fifth in the Premier League table, six points behind league leaders Manchester City.