I’m accountable for Sanchez mistakes in Chelsea loss against Arsenal – Rosenior

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has taken responsibility for Robert Sanchez’s errors, insisting he is “accountable” for the goalkeeper’s performance as he backed the Spaniard after the Blues’ 3–2 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

The 28-year-old Sanchez came under scrutiny for Arsenal’s opening two goals at Stamford Bridge, with Rosenior also disclosing that Chelsea were affected by injuries and illness within the squad.

Sanchez struggled to deal with Declan Rice’s corner in the seventh minute, allowing Ben White to bundle the ball home, and later failed to hold a cross from the Arsenal defender, enabling Viktor Gyokeres to score from close range in the 49th minute.

Martin Zubimendi added another goal for the visitors, but substitute Alejandro Garnacho netted twice to keep Chelsea in contention ahead of the second leg.

Speaking after his first home match as Chelsea head coach, Rosenior explained that Sanchez is adapting to a new tactical setup under his management.

“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.

“I don’t want to do that to the detriment of the results, but I need to make sure we win now, but we keep improving for where we want to get to this season. It’s a very fine margin.

“There are a lot of positives in Rob’s performance. What you’ll know with me is I protect my players. I’m asking him to do things. If he makes a mistake, doing what I’m asking him to do, that’s on me.

“I have a lot of faith that in the long term we’ll improve as a team with the messages that we’re giving him in all the plays. My job is to help them, not to blame them.”