There speculation flying around the rumour mill linking Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi with Chelsea.
Our guess is that Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, 26, is one player at Stamford Bridge that hopes this story doesn’t come to life.
As it stands, Mauricio Pochettino is still working in his role as Chelsea’s head coach. There’s no doubt his team are underperforming on the pitch, though.
So, could we end up seeing Roberto De Zerbi quitting his role as Brighton boss and moving to west London next season?
The Guardian claimed this week that Chelsea have identified Ruben Amorim and De Zerbi as potential replacements for Pochettino. They added that the club plan to wait until the summer before reviewing Pochettino’s position.
Of course, there’s still a long way to go before this happens. But if De Zerbi does become the next Chelsea manager, we think it would be a disaster for Sanchez.
Robert Sanchez won’t want Roberto De Zerbi reunion
Sanchez previously played under De Zerbi at the Amex Stadium, but he allowed Brighton to sell him to Chelsea in a £25m deal (Sky Sports) last summer.
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The Spanish gloveman was previously the number one in-between the sticks at Brighton, but he did lose his starting position under De Zerbi’s reign.
Ultimately, the 26-year-old shot-stopper wasn’t good enough with the ball at his feet to fit the style of football. Described as “excellent” by Luton Town boss Rob Edwards (Luton Today), De Zerbi does have a distinct method as a manager.
From what we’ve seen of Sanchez so far during his debut Chelsea season, there’s an obvious vulnerability in playing out from the back.
We really don’t fancy Sanchez’s chances of playing regularly if De Zerbi walks through the door.
Speaking via The Athletic back in May, De Zerbi clearly painted out where Sanchez fit in his plan at Brighton. He said: “I can’t do anything. If he wants (to stay next season), for sure, but I decide the first XI. Robert is a top guy, a very good guy. I like him and I still have a good relationship with him, but my work is to decide the first XI and I’ve always been honest, correct with everybody.”
Sanchez is currently involved in a fierce battle with teammate Djordje Petrovic for the No 1 positing. His chances would go out the window under De Zerbi’s watch.
