Mark Schwarzer Slams Awful Chelsea Player
Forget the goalkeeper code – former Chelsea goalie Mark Schwarzer really tore into Robert Sanchez’s recent play. Schwarzer, who used to play for Chelsea himself, didn’t mince words, flat-out questioning Sanchez’s skills and why manager Enzo Maresca keeps picking him. Mark Schwarzer Rips Into ‘Terrible’ Chelsea Player.
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Chelsea’s been having a tough time in the Premier League, like their recent close 1-0 loss to Arsenal. They’re still in fourth place, but rivals are putting major pressure on them to grab those spots for Europe. Sanchez has been getting a lot of heat, since he’s messed up five times this season, which led to goals – that’s tied for the worst in the league.
Schwarzer Calls Sanchez A Bundle of Nerves
Schwarzer, who played a bit for Chelsea back in 2013 and 2014, really went after Sanchez’s performance against Arsenal. He said the Spanish goalie looked shaky and was likely to screw up when it mattered most.
I thought he was awful. Just all over the place, a bundle of nerves, Schwarzer said on The Optus Sport Football Podcast.
Schwarzer thinks Sanchez makes things harder for himself by trying to grab crosses when his defenders are already in good spots. His decisions have been sus, often leading to bad passes or him jumping in when he doesn’t need to.
If things aren’t going great, you gotta stay out of stuff that’s not your job. He keeps leaving his line, trying to punch crosses when he should just trust the guys in front of him, Schwarzer said.
The ex-goalie mentioned Sanchez messed up early in the game, shanking a simple back pass, which made him look uneasy for the rest of the match. He thinks Sanchez has the talent but isn’t strong mentally, losing focus at key times. Mark Schwarzer Rips Into ‘Terrible’ Chelsea Player.
Shaky Defense and No Leaders
Schwarzer said Sanchez’s nervousness is rubbing off on the younger Chelsea defenders. He thinks the team needs some loud voices to tell Maresca to switch Sanchez out for Filip Jorgensen.
I don’t see enough older guys on that Chelsea team who can tell the manager what’s what, Schwarzer said.
He doesn’t get why Jorgensen isn’t getting more chances, even if he’s made some mistakes too. Mark Schwarzer Rips Into ‘Terrible’ Chelsea Player.
Yeah, he screwed up against Aston Villa, but at least he’s not a nervous wreck. With Sanchez, you never know what he’s gonna do from the second the game begins, he added.
Schwarzer pointed out how important it is for a goalie and the defense to be on the same page. He said it’s like playing with a center-back you can’t trust, and that uncertainty can mess up the whole team.
Defending Sanchez on Arsenal’s Goal
Even though he was super critical, Schwarzer did say Sanchez wasn’t at fault for Arsenal’s goal, which was a header by Mikel Merino from a corner kick.
I don’t think he could have stopped that. It was a great header, he said. Mark Schwarzer Rips Into ‘Terrible’ Chelsea Player.
Schwarzer said Chelsea could have had someone on the far post to stop it, but the ball and the header were just too good.
Sanchez vs. Jorgensen: Who Starts?
Sanchez has played 23 league games for Chelsea this season, with five clean sheets but 28 goals against him. Jorgensen, on the other hand, has let in nine goals in six games.
With Chelsea’s hopes for Europe on the line, Schwarzer’s strong words make you wonder: Should Maresca stick with Sanchez or let Jorgensen have a shot?
