‘I love working with him’ – Chelsea goalkeeper receives clear transfer message
He faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior has confirmed he would like to keep hold of Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic beyond the end of the season.
Petrovic joined Todd Boehly-owned Strasbourg on a season-long loan deal last summer, with Enzo Maresca selecting Robert Sanchez as his number one for 2024/25.
But a series of costly errors have seen Maresca turn to Filip Jorgensen for six of Chelsea’s last 13 matches in all competitions – and Sanchez’s future at Stamford Bridge now appears in serious doubt.
Petrovic, meanwhile, has gone from strength to strength at Strasbourg, earning rave reviews with his assured performances between the sticks across an impressive Ligue 1 campaign.
Sanchez’s struggles have left a possible opening for Petrovic in west London and there have been calls amongst the fanbase for Maresca to give the Serbia international an opportunity to prove himself in the summer.
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However, if Rosenior had his way, the 25-year-old shot-stopper – a player he recently described as ‘world-class’ – would continue his stay in the north east of France.
‘The more I see him here, the more he smiles and the happier he is. It’s to his credit,’ the Strasbourg manager told ALSA’ SPORTS.
‘He has a beautiful young family who has settled in the area, and he’s going to have a remarkable career.
‘I love working with him and hopefully somehow we can still collaborate in the future, whether it’s here or elsewhere in five years.
‘I’d like it to be next season.’
Last month, Petrovic talked up the prospect of remaining with Strasborug, especially if the club secure Champions League qualification for next season.
‘I’ve always had confidence in my ability to improve. I’ve made more progress than I expected. I still have a bit of room to improve before the end of the season,’ Petrovic said.
‘I’m focused on finishing the season in the best possible way. We’ll see what happens this summer.
‘Staying could be a very good option if Strasbourg plays in the Champions League.’
The Serbian added: Every goalkeeper wants to make saves.
‘I work every day to improve so I can be there when my team-mates need me on the pitch.
‘I’ve become a more complete goalkeeper than before I came to Strasbourg.
‘The coach really encourages us to play with the ball and take risks. It’s a lot of detail and concentration. This also comes from the staff, who give us a lot of confidence.’
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