Jamie Carragher completely dismissed Peter Schmeichel’s bold claim that Chelsea can win the Premier League with Robert Sanchez in goal. The Blues have had a stuttering start to the season this term, having won just two of their opening six league games.
Goalkeeper Sanchez has struggled, with a series of high-profile errors, while his red card against Manchester United at Old Trafford was also costly. Ex-Liverpool star Carragher has regularly criticised the Spaniard and previously claimed that he should have been replaced in the summer.
Speaking recently, he turned to Schmeichel for guidance while mid-chat on CBS Sports. Carragher said: “Peter, you famously signed for Manchester United and were a big difference to them going on to win the Premier League. Do you think Chelsea can win the league with Robert Sanchez in goal?”
After a brief pause, the former Premier League winner said: “Erm yes, and better defenders.” However, Carragher was far from convinced as he replied: “No chance Peter, no chance!”
After host Kate Abdo had said goodbye to Schmeichel, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards then chimed in as he told Carragher: “You put him on the spot there, didn’t you? He didn’t say it with conviction did he!”
Sanchez is expected to be between the sticks for Chelsea this weekend having already served his ban for his red card at Old Trafford. He was replaced by Filip Jorgensen in last month’s Carabao Cup clash with Lincoln City.
Sanchez has since returned to play a full part against former side Brighton – a game which Chelsea lost 3-1 – while he also kept a clean sheet against Benfica in the Champions League.
The Spanish goalkeeper was signed from Brighton in a £25m deal in 2023. Since then, he has gone on to make 69 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions and has kept 22 clean sheets.
He has however not quite managed to establish himself as first choice. During his debut season, he vied with current Bournemouth star Djordje Petrovic for the position and while he was handed more opportunities last term, Sanchez was dropped for Jorgensen on a number of occasions.
Away from Sanchez, Chelsea also bid farewell to a number of goalkeepers this summer. Petrovic moved to Premier League rivals Bournemouth, while Kepa Arrizabalaga was sold to Arsenal. Promising youngster Mike Penders was loaned to sister side Strasbourg.
Chelsea are back in action this weekend as they take on Liverpool. The Reds have their own issues in goal.
Brazilian stopper Alisson was injured in their Champions League defeat to Galatasaray and looks likely to be replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili should he not recover in time.
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