‘World’s best’ Cech set for landmark game

Jose Mourinho has hailed Petr Cech as the world’s best ahead of the goalkeeper’s 300th Premier League appearance for Chelsea.

Cech, signed from Rennes in 2004, has spent much of his nine years at Stamford Bridge under Mourinho, whose team host Cardiff City on Saturday.

He was a key player during the Portuguese’s first spell as Blues boss and the 31-year-old remains one of the club’s most trusted performers.

Chelsea have high hopes for young Belgian Thibault Courtois, who has stayed on loan at Atletico Madrid as Cech has continued to perform consistently.

“The book is full of clean sheets and the guy is fantastic. His work ethic is amazing,” said Mourinho.

“We have the best goalkeeper in the world and the best young goalkeeper in the world.

“I don’t think many people disagree with me. If somebody disagrees it will not be by far.”

Cardiff head to west London during a difficult period for the Welsh club.

Iain Moody has been controversially replaced as their head of recruitment by 23-year-old Kazakhstani Alisher Apsalyamov – much to manager Malky Mackay’s disgust.

But Mourinho does not believe City’s players will be affected by speculation surrounding Mackay’s position.

“I don’t think it is a problem for the dressing room,” Mourinho said.

“They will come with a good feeling. It’s a story for Mackay and for the owner, not for the boys.”

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook