Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has hinted that he will look for a new No.1 this summer after the latest mistake by one of his goalkeepers. With the Blues locked at 1-1 late on with Aston Villa, Filip Jorgensen allowed Marco Asensio’s shot to squirm under him for what proved to be the winning goal.
It followed the 22-year-old enduring a difficult night last weekend during the 3-0 loss at Brighton, having displaced Robert Sanchez in the starting line-up.
Sanchez himself had been heavily criticised for his displays, with fans questioning how the club had failed to sign a world-class keeper despite their lavish spending in recent windows.
Asensio was around 12 yards out when he met Marcus Rashford’s cross with his left foot. But despite directing the ball goalwards, he failed to connect properly and there seemed little danger as the ball headed towards Jorgensen.
But despite getting down to his left, the former Denmark under-21 international failed to gather the effort properly. And as the hosts celebrated, he looked disconsolate as he stood with his hands on his hips.
After the defeat at Villa Park, Maresca tellingly declined to back Jorgensen long-term, saying he was his first choice in “this moment” while acknowledging the costly error. “The keeper position is very delicate,” he said.
“When they make a mistake it’s clear for everyone. Unfortunately, Filip made a mistake. But in this moment, he’s our keeper and we need to stay strong and continue to support each other.”
Arguing both the under-fire players had also produced some good displays, he added: “In some games, both our keepers have been brilliant, but as I said it’s a delicate position.”
Last month, Maresca refuted suggestions he was considering recalling Kepa Arrizabalaga from his loan spell at Bournemouth. Instead, he said that he was happy for Sanchez and Jorgensen to keep competing for the gloves.
Jorgensen came through the ranks at Villarreal in Spain, enjoying a breakthrough season in 2023/24, making 36 La Liga appearances. He then joined Chelsea in the summer for a fee of around £20million.
But despite agreeing on a seven-year contract, his future already appears in doubt. The London club already have one new stopper arriving at the end of the season, with teenager Mike Penders having officially joined from Genk.
