Chelsea are flying under Enzo Maresca and the fans are absolutely loving it.
He’s reached the point where he’s winning so much that supporters in the stadium and online are happy to back him even on issues they might naturally have disagreed on.
There’s one big test left for that theory – Robert Sanchez.
Fans have never taken to the Spanish stopper, and most were unsure from the day he signed. The fact he lost his place last season, and was then handed it back without earning it in the summer only deepened their fears, as have his regular mistakes through the season so far. Even journalists covering Chelsea back the idea he’s now the clear weak link.
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A full Stamford Bridge with the Pride of London banner.
Filip Jorgensen gets congratulations from Enzo Maresca. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Renato Veiga playing for Chelsea.
Yet Maresca has stuck with the party line: Sanchez is a top goalkeeper and we rate him.
That’s been a sticking point for fans – is Maresca not seeing what we’re seeing, or is he just being political, knowing that he’s got to stick with what he’s been given until the chance to upgrade comes along?
Chelsea's Robert Sanchez and Enzo Maresca (Photo by Carl Recine, Henry Browne/Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez and Enzo Maresca (Photo by Carl Recine, Henry Browne/Getty Images)
Players back their teammates – as they should
Either way, it’s clear that the players can sense the criticism of their colleague and are joining their coach in backing him.
Reports from Stamford Bridge yesterday claimed that Renato Veiga rose from his seat on the bench to clap encouragement and vocally support his goalkeeper after a shanked goal kick.
Regardless of what you think of Sanchez, you always want to see your players backing their teammates. It’s the sign of a healthy dressing room, and will only lead to better performances and results.
Sanchez had a good game overall yesterday – he made some saves and didn’t mess anything up too badly. He even kept his first home clean sheet in the league for more than a year – hallelujah!