New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is really keen to work with one of his players.
Chelsea confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new boss on Monday, with the 44-year-old coming in to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last month after just one season at the club.
Like the Argentine, Maresca also departed his former side, Leicester City, after being in charge for only a year.
He has now taken over from Pochettino and looks excited to work with one signing that was made when his predecessor was in the Stamford Bridge dugout.
Enzo Maresca sends clear message to Chelsea board
With a new manager in town, some Chelsea players may be sweating about their position in the team.
However, one man who may not need to be worried following Maresca’s arrival is Robert Sanchez.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Maresca has already informed the Chelsea board that he really likes the goalkeeper and is looking forward to working with him.
The Italian journalist posted on X: “Understand Chelsea new coach Maresca told the board that he really likes Robert Sanchez.
Maresca, looking forward to working with Spanish GK next season as he believes Robert is ready for next phase of his career.”
Will Robert Sanchez be Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper next season?
Sanchez started the 2023/24 campaign as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper following his £25m move from Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, the Spaniard got injured, giving Djordje Petrovic a chance between the sticks.
The 24-year-old took it and ended up finishing the season as Chelsea’s No.1. But based on the above, it now looks like Sanchez will get his spot back.
Sanchez actually had a higher save percentage than Petrovic this term, according to FBref. His was 70.5%, while Petrovic’s was 65.7%.
However, what is also going to be important to Maresca is how well his goalkeeper can play out from the back.
He is a manager who wants his side to be in control, with his former team Leicester having the second-highest ball possession average in the Championship this season (WhoScored).