News

Cech - Break has mentally refreshed me

Petr Cech
Petr Cech

By Nik Brumsack in Prague

Petr Cech says not playing regularly for Chelsea last season helped him to refresh himself mentally.

The 33-year-old spent a decade as first choice at Stamford Bridge but saw first-team opportunities limited last season after Thibaut Courtois returned from a loan spell at Atletico Madrid.

"It was difficult to see the matchdays that you aren’t selected, but it’s part of the job"

While Cech admits that it was “difficult” not to play, the goalkeeper focused on using his spell on the sidelines in a positive way.

“It was a difficult moment for me because it was a completely new situation,” he explained. “In that situation I knew that my only way into team was to work hard, as I’ve always done. No matter if you’re No 2 or No 1, you have to work hard to stay in the team or show you can play every game.

“It was difficult to see the matchdays that you aren’t selected, but it’s part of the job, being a second-choice goalkeeper. On the other hand, it refreshed me mentally.

“Having played 11 years without any stop, that was the positive part. The pressure and the demands of every weekend’s matches was less and I now feel refreshed and really happy that new season starts.

“I’m really looking forward to it and am raring to go.”

 

Petr Cech

 

See Full List

Fixtures & Results

Premier League
Ticket Info