Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has revealed that he has encouraged goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to "be calm" during his ongoing situation at Stamford Bridge.
Upon the arrival of Enzo Maresca as head coach, Sanchez was quickly promoted to number one ahead of Djordje Petrovic and new signing Filip Jorgensen.
However, while Sanchez has produced important saves at key moments throughout the season, the Spain international has made a Premier League-high of five mistakes that have directly led to goals.
On the back of errors versus Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City, Sanchez was dropped from the side that started Monday's 2-1 victory over West Ham United.
When supporters learned of the 27-year-old being dropped, a cheer erupted at their West London home, highlighting the tension surrounding the issues that Chelsea have had between the sticks.
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Cucurella reveals Sanchez talks
Maresca claimed earlier this week that it was time for Sanchez to 'have a rest', the perception being that he meant from the spotlight.
Cucurella, a player that Sanchez knows from their Brighton & Hove Albion days and who is no stranger to feeling the wrath of Chelsea fans after a period of poor form, has admitted that he is attempting to help his compatriot through the situation.
He told AS: "In the end it's difficult. I think it's also important for him to work and be a little bit out of the spotlight. All the players who have come here have had hard times.
"The important thing is that he's well, that he works hard, because I'm sure he'll get his chance again and, when he does, he'll be ready."
He added: "I've told him to be calm, that it's happened to everyone. The most important thing is that he works and keeps training even harder. You have to work hard to turn the situation around.
"I've known him since Brighton, we are great friends, and he knows he has me for whatever he needs."
Cucurella recovered from his disappointing first year at Chelsea to emerge as one of the top-performing left-backs in the Premier League under Mauricio Pochettino and Maresca.
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What next for Sanchez?
Chelsea are currently preparing for a double-header at the home of Sanchez's former club Brighton, first in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday night before a Premier League meeting at the Amex Stadium on February 14.
With Jorgensen having been handed a start versus West Ham, it remains to be seen whether he will continued to be viewed as the goalkeeper for cup competitions.
Maresca may decide that keeping Sanchez on the sidelines for the time being is the most logical move, particularly when fans of his former club are likely to be in an unforgiving mood.
Darren Plant
