Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has come out in support of his teammate, Robert Sanchez, who has recently lost his position as the team’s primary goalkeeper. Sanchez has faced intense criticism this season due to several high-profile errors that led to goals, prompting head coach Enzo Maresca to replace him with Filip Jorgensen in Chelsea’s latest Premier League match against West Ham United.
The Blues secured a hard-fought 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, which helped them move back to fourth place in the league standings. However, one of the most discussed topics after the game was Maresca’s decision to drop Sanchez, a change many fans had been calling for. Chelsea supporters have grown increasingly frustrated with Sanchez’s performances, as his mistakes have resulted in multiple goals conceded.
Cucurella remains optimistic that Sanchez will recover from this setback. In a recent interview, he emphasized that his teammate must stay focused and continue working hard, as setbacks are a normal part of every footballer’s career. “It’s difficult,” Cucurella admitted. “But sometimes, stepping away from the spotlight for a while can be good. It allows a player to focus on improving without too much pressure.”
Cucurella is confident Sanchez will get another opportunity and encouraged him to be prepared when that moment comes. He added, “The most important thing is to keep working hard. When his chance comes again, he must be prepared to take it. He has the quality to turn things around for the better.” Having previously played together at Brighton, Cucurella and Sanchez share a strong bond.
The Chelsea defender revealed that he has been offering emotional support to Sanchez during this challenging period. “I told him to stay calm. Every footballer goes through tough times,” Cucurella said. “The key is to keep training hard and working even harder. I have known him for years, and I will always be there for him if he needs anything.”
While Sanchez’s future remains uncertain, Chelsea’s top priority is to finish the season strongly. With a chance to return to the Champions League, every player in Maresca’s squad must perform at their best. Cucurella emphasized that the team’s success comes first. “Today, the team won, and that’s what matters,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who plays in goal, as long as Chelsea keeps winning.”
Sanchez now faces a critical period where he must prove to Maresca that he deserves another opportunity. While it remains unclear whether he will regain his starting role, with hard work and the support of his teammates, he could still play a significant part in Chelsea’s season.