Chelsea fans’ reaction towards Sanchez ‘not good for his confidence’, Maresca admits | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca admits criticism of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is “not good for his confidence” but backed the Spaniard to bounce back.

Sanchez made an error which led to a goal in the Blues’ 3-1 win over Wolves, failing to punch clear a corner kick which presented Matt Doherty with an easy finish.

He came in for criticism from the Chelsea fans in attendance, not for the first time since joining the club, but Maresca says Sanchez can deal with the negativity.

“For sure, it is not very good for his confidence, but also Robert is a professional who has to learn to deal with that kind of moment,” he said.

“It’s experience for him. He has to improve also to deal with that kind of moment during a game at home where the fans, for any reason, are not happy. He has to manage that moment.”

Asked if he spoke with Sanchez about the reaction from the fans following the game, he said; “I didn’t speak with Robert. I consider that kind of moment part of our job. You have to learn that you have to deal with that. It’s already happened in the past with Robert, and he did quite well.

“He’s getting better but he’s still far, far, far from where I want him to be. He’s getting better.”

The 27-year-old shot-stopper joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2023 and has received the backing of his new boss Maresca this season.

Though the Italian admits he cannot guarantee anyone’s future at the club.

“I’m not thinking about the seasons coming,” he said. “I’m thinking about this season. For this season? No doubt. But then in the future, we don’t know.

“It is not only about Robert. It is even about me, you know? I’m focused on this moment, this season. Since we started, Robert is getting better, but he is still far from where I want him to be.”