Robert Sanchez sees calm Chelsea title push under Xabi Alonso

At Stamford Bridge, the Stamford Bridge floodlights cast long shadows across the empty stands. The disappointment of last season’s 10th-place finish still lingers, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez believes the club’s path forward is clearer now. Without European distractions, the Blues can concentrate solely on the Premier League, and Sanchez is convinced that spells greatness for the club under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and will not compete in European football this year. Sanchez sees this as an opportunity rather than a setback. “It can be a good thing that we do not have a European tournament, because we can focus on the league,” he said. “It is good for us as a team and as a squad because we get that time, one game a week.”

The goalkeeper has faced criticism during his time at Chelsea but remains the club’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the new campaign. He credits Alonso with restoring his confidence. “Xabi has given me all the confidence in the world,” Sanchez said. “He is allowing me to perform. I know what he wants me to do.”

Sanchez highlighted Alonso’s calm demeanor as a key factor in the squad’s positive atmosphere. “He brings a lot of calm into the squad. He is a really calm person. He brings that as a player because he used to play,” he said. “I like his idea of football. I like what he brings to the club and the staff.”

Pre-season preparations have given Sanchez reason for optimism. Chelsea beat AC Milan 3-0 in a friendly on Saturday, then drew 3-3 with Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim on Sunday, with Liam Delap scoring twice from the penalty spot. Alonso rotated his squad between the two matches, using entirely different lineups.

Sanchez emphasized the importance of understanding Alonso’s game plan during pre-season. “We are still trying to understand his game plan, what he wants from us,” he said. “The most important thing is everyone is getting minutes and putting in a good effort. The boys have done that.”

The goalkeeper described his own form as “amazing” under Alonso’s guidance. “I feel amazing,” he said. “He understands the strengths of every individual. He understands my strengths. He is going to allow me to do what I am best at this season.”

Sanchez’s comments come as Arteta targets back-to-back Premier League titles with Arsenal. The stage is set for a direct battle between two of England’s top clubs, with Chelsea aiming to rise under Alonso’s leadership.

Chelsea’s pre-season schedule included a 3-0 win over AC Milan and a 3-3 draw with Johor Darul Ta’zim, with Delap netting twice from the penalty spot in the latter match.