Robert Sanchez is disappointed but Liam Rosenior says Chelsea do not have a number one goalkeeper

Chelsea Coach Liam Rosenior said goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was “really disappointed” to be left out of Wednesday’s match against… Aston VillaBut he stressed that he does not have a single number.

Spanish international Sanchez was criticized for his distribution of the ball and his mistakes on set pieces during Sunday’s 2-1 loss to leaders Arsenal.

Rosenior brought on Dane Filip Jorgensen – Sanchez’s long-term replacement – for a 4-1 win at Villa Park.

“I was really honest with Rob,” he said. “It was really disappointing not to play, which is what I expect from every player, whether it’s a goalkeeper or an outfield player.

“But the way Rob responded in training, the way he supported Philip – in the warm-up and in the dressing room – was fantastic.”

Chelsea have a long-term strategy to encourage rotation in the squad, and Rosenior intends to apply this principle to goalkeepers as well.

“For me, honestly, I look at the goalkeeper position differently every game,” he said. “I want there to be competition in every area of ​​the pitch.

“I know that traditionally, if there is a change of goalkeeper, people assume that now he is the first choice goalkeeper. That is not the case. We will choose – and I will choose – the best team in every match.

“Philip wasn’t waiting – he was working for his chance. I think he made it really good. But Rob made great performances too.”

Rosenior was asked whether goalkeepers need continuity and whether rotation might backfire.

“Yes, you need continuity, but you also need to win football matches,” he said. “There are different styles – modern school or old school.

“I’ll pick the team I think is best to win every game. I don’t think I’ve kept the same formation once since I’ve been here. People can say you need continuity – if we lose, it’s because we didn’t have enough; if we win, it’s the right decision.

“I made a decision against Aston Villa which I think has proven right. I hope I can make more correct decisions going forward.”

Chelsea will face Wrexham in the fifth round of the FA Cup at 17:45 GMT on Saturday, and the match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.