John Obi Mikel on his podcast.
John Obi Mikel on his podcast.

“I think we need” – Mikel details what Chelsea have to do to challenge for the title

John Obi Mikel believes Chelsea need to upgrade on Robert Sanchez and claimed the club need a goalkeeper who’s steady, calm and reliable if they are to win the Premier League or finish in the top four.

The goalkeeping situation has been an issue at Stamford Bridge for a number of years and the Blues arguably haven’t had a top class keeper since Thibaut Courtois left the club.

Chelsea have spent a lot of money on goalkeepers over the past few years, but it’s evident they still don’t have the required quality in that key area of the pitch.

Mikel thinks Chelsea need a better keeper than Sanchez

The Blues signed both Sanchez and Djordje Petroivic in the summer of 2023, whilst they added Filip Jorgensen and youngster Mike Penders in the window just gone.

Petrovic, who arguably outperformed Sanchez last season was sent on loan to Strasbourg, whilst Jorgensen has been limited to the cup competitions.

The decision to make Sanchez number one has been heavily criticised given the amount of mistakes he’s made, but Chelsea believe he has the ingredients to become one of the best in the league. 

Robert Sanchez fouls Rasmus Hojlund. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Sanchez has made a number of mistakes this season. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

It feels like it’s very much a question of when not if he makes a mistake during a game and his performances have frustrated fans, with many wanting him dropped.

Former Blue Mikel feels the club need to upgrade on Sanchez and sign a top quality goalkeeper if they want to compete for the title.

“[Robert] Sanchez does have a couple of performances here and there, but if we are to win the Premier League or to finish in the top four, I think we need a better top goalkeeper,” he told his Obi One Podcast.

“A goalkeeper who’s steady, calm and reliable.”

There will be very few who disagree with Mikel but it doesn’t seem like Maresca is going to drop Sanchez any time soon.

It will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the course of the season and whether Jorgensen gets much of look in.

Tags John Obi Mikel Robert Sanchez
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