Bonano: Sanchez may be suffering from anxiety

Jan 17, 2013 10:45:00 PM

The former Argentina goalkeeper thinks the Chile international's recent performances could be the result of a deeper-lying problem

Ex-Barcelona keeper Roberto Bonano believes Alexis Sanchez may be suffering from a form of anxiety.

The Chile international has failed to impress on a consistent basis since arriving at Camp Nou in 2011 and Bonano says his desperation to prove his worth could be having an adverse effect.

“Every coach has to play the part of psychologist and Tito [Vilanova] is handling it very well. Perhaps he suffers from anxiety because he wants to show what he can do in the rare moments that he gets on the pitch. That is going to be counter-effective," he told Esports COPE.

Bonano then added that the Blaugrana must continue to look after star player Lionel Messi if he is to prolong the form that saw him pick up a fourth Ballon d'Or earlier this month.

“They have to keep protecting him so that he can continue to show his quality,” he added.

Barca are back in action on Saturday when they take on Real Sociedad in La Liga.