‘Did not expect’: Robert Sanchez admits he’s already been shocked by something Pochettino has done at Chelsea

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Robert Sanchez has revealed that Mauricio Pochettino already did one thing that surprised him at Chelsea.

The Spain international made the comments when speaking to Astro SuperSport.

So, what did Robert Sanchez say about Mauricio Pochettino? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, the 25-year-old admitted that he was not expecting to start against Liverpool, and was surprised to be thrown into the starting XI by the Argentine.

Sanchez said: “A couple of days ago, with the situation where Kepa went away (is when he found out he would be starting). Really enjoyed it. A week of training, I did not expect to play the first game, but as a football player you have to be ready, and I was.”

Many expected Kepa Arrizabalaga to be named in the starting XI after playing most of Chelsea’s friendlies throughout the summer.

However, the 28-year-old surprisingly joined Real Madrid on loan for the 2023/24 campaign after Thibaut Courtois suffered a serious knee injury.

With Edouard Mendy sold to Al Ahli and Gabriel Slonina already loaned out to Eupen as well, that meant Pochettino only had the 20-year-old Lucas Bergström to compete with Sanchez.

The Finnish glovesman was on the bench for Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

Therefore, Sanchez cannot have been that surprised to be starting against the Reds, as Pochettino did not exactly have many options – to say the least.

Pochettino could still sign competition for Sanchez at Chelsea

The Spaniard must already be feeling quite comfortable at Chelsea with no competition around him.

However, that could soon change.

According to the Evening Standard, Pochettino plans to replace Kepa, and has identified Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili as a potential signing – Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund is also on the list.

Interestingly – according to A Bola in Portugal – Chelsea could also still trigger the £65m release clause of Diogo Costa after letting Kepa move to Real Madrid.

Be sure to keep an eye on developments at Chelsea, as we expect the Blues to sign another goalkeeper before transfer deadline day.