Chelsea boss Pochettino told he’ll have to axe Sanchez after firm recommendation

Mauricio Pochettino on Moises Caicedo's debut after Chelsea's 3-1 loss to West Ham

Former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes that Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will eventually be forced to make Robert Sanchez his No 2. The Blues have agreed a deal to sign Serbian stopper Djordje Petrovic from New England Revolution, who will provide fresh competition between the sticks.

The No 1 jersey is well and truly up for grabs at Stamford Bridge. Kepa Arrizabalaga was poised to start the season as first choice, before scarpering to Spain when Real Madrid came calling.

Sanchez, a recent £25million signing from Brighton, has consequently been thrust straight into the action. The Spaniard started both of the Blues’ Premier League matches so far this term, against Liverpool and West Ham.

But a second high-quality option was always likely to be needed, and Pochettino is about to get his man, with Petrovic on the verge of completing a £14m switch from MLS.

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Friedel claims to have recommended Petrovic to a number of Premier League sides. And given that he and Pochettino worked together at Tottenham, there is every chance that Chelsea were given a glowing review of the Serb once their interest became an open secret.

“I’ve mentioned him to quite a few clubs in the Premier League and I’m glad he’s going to be landing at one of the big clubs, and with a staff that I couldn’t speak highly enough of,” Friedel told Sky Sports News.

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“Sanchez is there, Djordje is going to prove himself and fight for his place. I think he’ll be given a chance, and once he’s given it, I don’t see him being displaced.

“There will be a battle, but I think Djordje is a No 1. He’s been groomed to be a No 1. His progress has been excellent. I see him being the long-term No 1 at Chelsea.”

Petrovic was already playing first-team football as a teenager, breaking through with Serbian side Cukaricki.

Four years in his homeland eventually saw him recruited by New England Revolution, where he has played since last April. It remains to be seen whether he is able to barge his way past Sanchez in the Chelsea pecking order.

Brighton may be quietly pleased that they received £25m for the goalkeeper, given that he had been replaced by Jason Steele in Roberto De Zerbi’s starting XI last season. And the Seagulls are flying in Sanchez’s absence, sitting top of the Premier League table after two matches.

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