Chelsea endured a nightmare second half that ultimately cost them the result in their second Club World Cup game against Flamengo.
The Blues went ahead in the first half through Pedro Neto, however conceded twice in quick succession to their Brazilian opponents in the second 45, before a late third goal.
The mountain grew even higher when Nicolas Jackson was sent off just minutes after replacing Liam Delap. It was his second red card in just four appearances for Chelsea.
Many will have been fearing the worst given the pressure the Flamengo players were applying from the start of the game, with Robert Sanchez misplacing a number of early passes.
Chelsea fans want Mike Maignan after Club World Cup defeat to Flamengo
Distribution has never been the Spaniard’s strong point, and his indifferent campaign between the sticks saw the Blues strongly linked with signing Mike Maignan before the transfer window slammed shut.
The deal did not go through, however this hasn’t stopped Chelsea fans taking to social media to beg for their club to bring the Frenchman in as a result of this game.
One user said: “The fact some of you defended the club not signing Maignan is crazy, JUST LOOK AT SANCHEZ.”
Another added: “Every game that goes by the decision not to pay an extra £4m for Mike Maignan gets more and more embarrassing!”
A third claimed: “Sanchez’s kicking in these opening minutes is a clear reason why Chelsea wants to sign Maignan Against the top sides you expect man to man pressure so your goalie who’s often going to the free man, needs to be as technical as an outfield player Sanchez lacks in this regard.”
Another stated: “If Chelsea are serious they send a bid for Maignan tonight, we are going nowhere with Sanchez and Jorgensen.”
Finally, one user said: “We cannot have SANCHEZ as our starting goalkeeper, we need to get Maignan in asap.”
Chelsea’s Mike Maignan status
Despite Chelsea walking away from the negotiation table with Milan before the first deadline, it was reported that Chelsea had not ended their interest in Maignan completely.
However, talks have begun over a new contract for Maignan at AC Milan. There is currently one year left on his deal with the Serie A side.
Many will have wondered if Djordje Petrovic was going to take the number one spot at Stamford Bridge after his excellent campaign at Strasbourg.
However, Petrovic has been told he can leave the club this summer, and is not currently with the club at the tournament in the United States.
