Enzo Maresca Chelsea decision proven right after controversial transfer plan

Perhaps nothing sums up the change in mood at Chelsea better than Robert Sanchez. It was only in April that he was actively booed and jeered for the role played in an almost season-ending 2-2 draw at home to Ipswich Town.

Sanchez was whistled and hounded by most of Stamford Bridge after passing short when 1-0 down to the almost relegated Tractor Boys in a game Chelsea could hardly afford not to win. The Matthew Harding Stand behind him, in particular, took offence to what they were seeing.

When Sanchez went long and Chelsea conceded the ball it drew anger from Enzo Maresca but more from the crowd. Moments later he was picking the ball out of the net and the atmosphere was mutinous.

Skip ahead four months (and just 19 games in all competitions, not all of which Sanchez has played) and he was greeted like somewhat of a hero. When running towards the same end that threatened to end his Chelsea career, Sanchez got a loud cheer and a warm round of applause.

Maybe it was because Mike Maignan was in the opposite goal and Chelsea supporters wanted to prove a point to the keeper they almost signed at the start of June, or maybe there was genuine appreciation. After all, Sanchez had played as much of a key role as anyone in helping Chelsea to win the Club World Cup.

Ironically, it was his direct kicking to the right flank which helped set up two of the goals. Playing over Paris Saint-Germain's press, Sanchez arrowed balls towards Malo Gusto and Cole Palmer, exploiting the space.

When it comes to this sort of thing, Sanchez has always been good. For all of the weaknesses he does have in playing short and around his box, the Spaniard is excellent at picking out teammates further forward. He is also a terrific and ambitious cross collector.

There are times when his decision-making proves costly, therefore giving the effect that he is bad in his area, but his long reach and impressive physical attributes (i.e., being really tall) are assets. Strip his game back and simplify it and Sanchez can be more than useful at Chelsea still.

The fact that he will be No.1 is something that many have had to come to terms with an accept. Sanchez has never been massively popular but is maybe at the apex right now.

He was signed during the peak of Brighton hysteria for Chelsea, when everyone and everything even related to seagulls was a target. Add in an embarrassing 'highlights' reel of mistakes and it is understandable why there was some consternation among supporters.

His first season did little to settle people down and for large portions of 2024/25 was out of favour as well. Sanchez epitomised all that was wrong with Chelsea, or so it felt.

Now he was welcomed back in as a world champion. Just how long this newfound goodwill lasts waits to be seen; football is fickle.

There is optimism around Chelsea but that could vanish quickly if the season starts slowly. The direction of travel is upwards but the game is not easy or straightforward.

Sanchez knows this as much as anyone so he will have enjoyed the reaction Maignan received here. During a break he was caught in line with a rogue sprinkler turning on, drawing laughter and mocking from the Matthew Harding End. Then, before Liam Delap blasted a penalty past Maignan, the crowd sung "you're just a **** Robert Sanchez."

Most still believe that Chelsea need a new goalkeeper to be capable of challenging for titles again. The club are reticent to be too reactive in the market, though, especially without cost-efficient immediate upgrades available.

This is why they did not push as strongly as fans wished for Maignan. There is also the case of Mike Penders. He is now on loan at RC Strasbourg, where he will continue to develop in senior football.

Chelsea are essentially trying to bridge the gap between their current crop and Penders in the hope that he fulfils the potential of being not only a viable Premier League goalkeeper but a world class one. Sanchez still has a lot of work to do in order to confidently be that guy in the interim and do it with more total backing, but he is benefiting from the positivity as much as anyone.

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