Xabi Alonso Urged to Replace Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s Key Player
Aurora Nightingale | June 3, 2026 6:35 PM CST
Former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf has urged the club’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, to replace one of the key players in the starting line-up for the upcoming season.
Following a turbulent campaign marked by several managerial changes, Chelsea ended the season poorly under interim coach Calum McFarlane.
The Blues finished 10th in the Premier League standings, suffered an 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain before being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League, and lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City.
As a result, Chelsea will not feature in any European competitions next season.
The club has appointed Xabi Alonso as the new head coach beginning next season, with the former Real Madrid boss signing a four-year contract with the London side.
Alonso is set to take charge officially in July.
Frank Leboeuf has called on Alonso to remain firm with his footballing principles and not compromise them for the sake of individual players.
He told Metro:
“I think he needs to stick to his own rules and tactics, but he has to make choices. I don’t believe he can work with every player currently at Chelsea. He needs to trim the squad to 25 players, manage them properly, and see what results he can achieve with the best ones.”
Leboeuf further stated that goalkeeper Robert Sanchez might struggle under Alonso’s system and advised the club to look for a replacement.
“I don’t like to say that anyone should leave. He’s a great goalkeeper, but when it comes to playing with his feet, he can be a risk to his own team.
When Donnarumma joined Manchester City, he had a similar issue, but Pep Guardiola managed to adjust the system so that Donnarumma didn’t have to play too much with his feet. However, I don’t think Alonso would want to change his style just for one player, so they might look for a replacement.”
COMMENT FROM ALONSO - Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso during a press conference before the Club World Cup match against Al Hilal, Tuesday (17/6/2025). Alonso discussed Madrid’s shortcomings after reaching the 2026 Club World Cup semifinals. (realmadrid.com)
In the same interview, Leboeuf also discussed the type of player Chelsea should target to replace Sanchez.
He suggested that the club pursue Arsenal’s David Raya, who has been one of the standout performers for the Gunners last season.
“I really like Raya; he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world, if not the best right now, and he proved it during the Champions League final. I truly believe Chelsea should try to sign someone like Raya.”
