“He is aware…” – Maresca finally admits key player he has defended is struggling | OneFootball

Chelsea have just lost 3-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad, a gutting showing after going 1-0 up early on. The whole team deserves criticism for their performance.

They were lacking intensity defensively, and created very little in attack after they were gifted the opening goal. There is almost nobody out there who can say they performed to their level today.

But above all, there one was one moment which let the side down, and unfortunately it’s the same player who has been the focus of attention all week, and for a lot longer than that now.

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.

Maresca finally admits his keeper is making mistakes

Robert Sanchez lobbed by Erling Haaland. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

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 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 mistakes.”