Townsend expressed concerns over Sanchez’s consistency, insisting the Spanish goalkeeper still appears prone to costly errors despite showing signs of improvement in recent performances.
The former midfielder made the remarks while reacting to Chelsea’s managerial transition, with Alonso expected to officially take charge at Stamford Bridge in July after agreeing to a four-year contract following the departure of Liam Rosenior.
Speaking to BetVictor, Townsend said strengthening the goalkeeping department should be among the new manager’s immediate priorities if Chelsea hopes to compete at the highest level next season.
“I think Chelsea needs a goalkeeper,” Townsend said.
“Robert Sanchez has produced one or two better performances recently, but I just feel he’s just one of those goalkeepers who will let you down in a big moment.”
The former Republic of Ireland international further questioned Sanchez’s reliability under pressure, suggesting mistakes remain a recurring issue in his game.
“He’s got a mistake in him, there’s a mistake never too far away,” he added.
Sanchez joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2023 and has experienced mixed fortunes since arriving at the club. While he has delivered several strong performances, his time at Stamford Bridge has also been marked by criticism over lapses in concentration, positioning and distribution.
Chelsea supporters and pundits have frequently debated whether the Spaniard possesses the consistency required to lead the team’s defence during high-pressure fixtures.
Alonso, who is preparing for his first season in charge of the Blues, is expected to oversee major tactical and personnel decisions as Chelsea continues its rebuilding process following another turbulent campaign.
The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder arrives with a growing reputation after impressive coaching spells in Europe, and attention is already turning to the kind of squad adjustments he may demand before the new season begins.
Townsend’s comments are likely to add further pressure on Sanchez as speculation continues over Chelsea’s possible transfer plans in the summer window.