Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon has said that it has been difficult for him to see his friend Petr Cech usurped as the Blues’ number one by Thibaut Courtois.
Cech, 32, is not the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the first time in his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge as the young Belgian continues to impress this season.
Consequently, the 32-year-old has hinted that he could leave West London in the summer, and Lllichon, who knows him from their time together at Rennes, admits it has been hard seeing the Czech fall out of favour.
“It’s not easy because you’ve got a goalkeeper like Petr who is at the top of his form,” he told The Express.
“I have a relationship with Petr, who is a special person. We’ve been working together (at Chelsea) for eight years. Our relationship goes beyond just the sporting side.
“There is always that moment when a young goalkeeper arrives. The decision to make Thibaut No1 is the manager’s (Jose Mourinho). Then, if it’s a question of rotation, we might discuss it. But above all, it’s the manager’s call.
“We have two of the best three keepers in the world. It’s an advantage. Whether you start with one or the other, it doesn’t change anything. Either way, the opponent has a phenomenal goalkeeper against them.
“We speak a lot. We’re talking about clever lads. Petr helps Thibaut. He is not going to drop banana skins in front of him. At half time we all talk together. After matches too.
“Petr is doing well, even though his current situation is not that easy. We’re talking about someone remarkable, with values, who is not going to hide away because he’s lost his No1 spot. He keeps working as if he is going to play every weekend.”
