Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior says he is “accountable” for Robert Sanchez’s mistakes as he defended his goalkeeper following the 3-2 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss by Arsenal.
The Spain international, 28, was arguably at fault for Arsenal‘s first two goals at Stamford Bridge, with Rosenior revealing his squad had also been hit by injury and illness.
Sanchez failed to claim Declan Rice’s corner for the seventh-minute opener, allowing Ben White to turn the ball in, while the Gunners full-back’s cross then squirmed through the goalkeeper’s grasp for Viktor Gyokeres to score from close range in the 49th minute.
Arsenal‘s Martin Zubimendi also found the net, but Chelsea substitute Alejandro Garnacho struck twice to keep his side in the tie.
In his first home game as Blues boss, Rosenior revealed he is working on a new tactical approach for Sanchez.
“It’s a team goal, it’s not just on Rob [Sanchez],” he said. “I’m asking Rob to do things that he hasn’t done before. I said to him before the game, and I made this really clear, when my players make mistakes, I’m accountable. That’s on me.
“He made a save in the second half that was absolutely world-class. That could have put us out of the tie. He will improve in terms of his understanding.
“That’s Rob’s first game with me, I’ve had two days’ work with him. I have to put my imprint on the team. That’s why I’m here.