Paul Scholes has backed Nicky Butt's assessment that Robert Sanchez is a 'liability' and believes Xabi Alonso must prioritise signing a new goalkeeper when he takes charge at Chelsea. Alonso is set to become Chelsea's new manager on a four-year contract, replacing Liam Rosenior who was sacked last month.
Scholes and Butt Criticise Sanchez
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt labelled Sanchez a 'problem' for Chelsea. 'I think the goalkeeper is a problem there at Chelsea, he's a liability,' Butt said. 'He can't play the way they will want to play.'
Scholes agreed with his former teammate, adding: 'With the way Chelsea will play, I agree. He can't do it. I'm pretty sure Xabi Alonso will want to play that way, to build out from the back, so he will need a new goalkeeper then.'
Alonso's Appointment
Alonso will officially begin his role on July 1, having chosen Chelsea as his first job since leaving Real Madrid in January after just seven months in charge. Before that disappointing spell, Alonso made a huge impact at Bayer Leverkusen, leading the German club to their first ever Bundesliga title.
Discussing his move to west London, Alonso said: 'Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club. From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.'
Challenges Ahead
Chelsea finished tenth in the Premier League this season, closer to the relegation zone than the top four in terms of points. Gary Neville has warned Alonso that he has 'one hell of a job on his hands' at Stamford Bridge. The club began the season under Enzo Maresca, who left in January after a dip in form and a fallout with the board. Rosenior succeeded him but lasted only 106 days before being sacked.
Alonso inherits a squad with talent but clear weaknesses, and Scholes believes the goalkeeper position is a critical area to address. Sanchez endured another mixed season, often finding himself out of the team. With Alonso's preference for building from the back, a new goalkeeper appears essential for the Blues' revival.
