Home / Sports / Leboeuf to Alonso: Ditch Sanchez for Raya!
Leboeuf to Alonso: Ditch Sanchez for Raya!
2 Jun
Summary
- Frank Leboeuf advises Xabi Alonso to replace Robert Sanchez.
- Leboeuf suggests targeting a goalkeeper similar to David Raya.
- Chelsea finished 10th last season and will miss European competitions.
Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been advised by former star Frank Leboeuf to be decisive regarding his squad. Leboeuf recommended that Alonso implement his tactical principles strictly, even if it means making difficult choices about existing players. He suggested that Alonso might need to trim the squad down to around 25 players to effectively implement his system.
Leboeuf specifically highlighted goalkeeper Robert Sanchez as a potential area for change. While acknowledging Sanchez's shot-stopping abilities, Leboeuf expressed concerns about his performance with his feet, deeming it a potential risk to the team. He drew a parallel to Gianluigi Donnarumma's situation at Manchester City, noting that Pep Guardiola adapted his tactics to mitigate similar issues.
However, Leboeuf indicated that Alonso might not be willing to alter his playing style for one player. Consequently, he proposed that Chelsea should explore signing a goalkeeper with attributes similar to Arsenal's David Raya. Leboeuf praised Raya as one of the world's best goalkeepers, citing his strong performances, including in a Champions League final, as evidence of his quality.
