Andy Townsend has urged new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to make a major change between the posts, warning that Robert Sanchez may not be the long-term answer if the Blues are serious about returning to the top of English football.
The former midfielder believes the club should move decisively in the transfer market if the right goalkeeper becomes available this summer, with growing scrutiny surrounding Sanchez following another inconsistent campaign at Stamford Bridge. Reports in recent months have suggested Chelsea are actively assessing their goalkeeping options ahead of Alonso’s first season in charge.
Cole pointed to the standards set by Chelsea’s Premier League rivals and questioned whether Sanchez can reach the required level quickly enough to help the club challenge for major honours. Robert Sanchez is currently the No. 1 at Chelsea but could be replaced after another mixed season in west London.
‘I think Chelsea need a goalkeeper,’ Townsend, who spent three years at Stamford Bridge as a player, told BetVictor.
‘Robert Sanchez has produced one or two better performances recently, but I just feel he’s just one of those goalkeepers that will let you down in a big moment. He’s got a mistake in him, there’s a mistake never too far away
‘Those sort of goalkeepers, I’m afraid, with modern day football, the way that goalies are asked to play, I think you’ve got to sort it out if your goalkeeper gives you the jitters. And he does that, I’m afraid.’
CHELSEA are already being linked with several potential replacements. Reports have claimed the club has drawn up a shortlist of goalkeeping targets as Alonso and the recruitment team evaluate options for the summer transfer window. Names linked with the Blues have included established internationals and emerging talents from across Europe, while highly rated youngster Mike Penders is also expected to be part of the club’s long-term plans.
Despite the criticism, Sanchez retains supporters within the game. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente recently included the Chelsea goalkeeper among the leading Spanish keepers and suggested he remains one of the strongest options available to the national team.
That backing highlights the divided opinion surrounding the 28-year-old, whose shot-stopping ability has rarely been questioned even as doubts persist over other aspects of his game.
For Alonso, the decision could become one of the defining calls of his first transfer window. CHELSEA’s new boss arrives with a reputation for tactical sophistication and high standards after successful spells in management, and strengthening key areas of the squad is expected to be a priority.
Whether that includes replacing Sanchez remains to be seen, but comments from Cole and other former players have ensured the goalkeeping debate will remain firmly in the spotlight throughout the summer
MORE BIG CHELSEA NEWS AND GOSSIP
Latest: href=”https://icfootballnews.com/spaniard-ready-accept-chelsea-job-chelsea-determined-to-land-an-elite-striker-chelsea-confident-on-140m-star/” target=”_blank”>Spaniard ready ACCEPT Chelsea job – Chelsea ‘determined to land an elite striker – Chelsea confident on £140M star
Top Read: “This is the one’ Chelsea fans excited as Blues board ‘CONFIDENT’ of £90m signing
LOVE CHELSEA? CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND GOSSIP
Related
Discover more from IcFootballNews –
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.