Courtois: It’s a shame Cech has to be on the bench

Posted Monday, June 08, 2015 by squawka.com

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted he thinks it’s a shame that a player of Petr Cech’s quality has had to sit on the bench this season, as per the Evening Standard.

Ironically the only reason that Cech is on the bench is the arrival of the Belgian stopper, who returned to Stamford Bridge last summer after a three-year loan at Atletico Madrid.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho installed Courtois as his number one at the start of the campaign, displacing Cech who had been the club’s number one for nearly a decade.

Due to his lack of first-team opportunities Cech has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, with the Standard linking the stopper with Arsenal and Manchester United. It is also reported by the newspaper that Mourinho is not keen to see Cech leave the club, especially not to a league rival.

Although his arrival has clearly unsettled Cech Coutois says the pair “work together” and admits it’s a shame to see the experienced keeper sitting on the bench.

Courtois said: “If he wants to go, that would be his choice. It’s a shame that such a skilled goalkeeper must stay on the bench. When I look at his level, I’m happy for the season I’ve accomplished.”

The 23-year-old keeper continued the good form he showed on loan at Atletico for Chelsea last term, and managed to keep 12 clean sheets in 32 league games. Meanwhile Cech showed he is still a quality keeper when called upon, and kept five clean sheets in his seven league games.

Courtois’ long term future seems to be at Stamford Bridge, although Cech’s is much more uncertain with a potential transfer away looking likely.