Arsenal legend Ian Wright has criticized Chelsea star Robert Sanchez, claiming his teammates lose confidence when he is guarding the goal.
Under the tutelage of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea enjoyed a strong start to the 2024-25 season. In the first few weeks, the Blues were in the running for the Premier League title, but the coach downplayed their chances, saying his team were not prepared to challenge Liverpool.
Towards the end of December, Chelsea hit a rough patch, ending 2024 with two defeats and a draw in the Premier League. In 2025, the Pensioners have dropped points in six league games, losing four matches and playing out two draws.
Owing to their lacklustre showings, Chelsea find themselves in fourth place in the rankings, sitting just a point ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City.
Ian Wright Says Chelsea Goalkeeper Is Demoralizing His Teammates
The Blues have had many underperformers this season, but Robert Sanchez has undoubtedly received the most criticism. On the Kelly and Wrighty Show, Wright also took aim at Sanchez, claiming the Spaniard could cost Chelsea their Champions League spot.
The 1997-98 English champion said:
“There’s no way you can be confident playing in front of that goalkeeper, there’s no way I can see any scenario where Chelsea will do it [qualify for Champions League] because of this. If I’m Newcastle, Bournemouth or Brighton, this is the best chance you will have, because I don’t think Chelsea will make it.
No player has committed more errors leading to an opposition shot than Robert Sanchez (8) in the Premier League this season. 🥴#ARSCHE pic.twitter.com/MeyCTg8L2H
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) March 16, 2025
“You have a goalkeeper you’re scared of, you don’t know if he’ll let one in or make a mistake. Then you have strikers who aren’t scoring. If you let in a goal you instantly think you’re not winning because he could make another mistake and he might miss another chance, it just demoralises everybody with the goalkeeper.”
Sanchez has been one of the most error-prone goalkeepers in Europe this season. Playing 23 matches in the English top flight, the 27-year-old has committed five errors that have led to a goal. He has made 78 saves, conceded 28 goals, received five yellow cards, committed two fouls, and kept only five clean sheets.
The Spain international sees his Chelsea contract expire on 30 June 2030.
