Mourinho: Chelsea still need keeper Cech

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Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech remains a vital asset at Stamford Bridge, Blues boss Jose Mourinho has told Eurosport.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club since losing his place as Chelsea’s number one to Thibaut Courtois at the start of the season.

But his agent, Viktor Kolar, recently played down the chances of the goalkeeper leaving in January, and Mourinho says Cech still has a role to play.

He said: “The most important thing is what he brings to the team on the pitch, which is top quality.

“When Courtois was injured against Arsenal and Petr Cech comes to play on minute 20, I was so calm. I wasn’t worried about a change of goalkeeper.

“So when you have on the bench a super goalkeeper like Petr Cech this is the most important thing.

“Obviously he wants to play, which is why sometimes I make him play. I have to feed the natural ambition of somebody who feels he is a top goalkeeper.

“I have to feed that ambition to keep him happy. I’m not saying happy happy, because to be happy a player must play every game, but at least to make him feel that we like him, we respect him and we need him.”

Cech has won the Champions League, the Europa League, three league titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups during his 10 years at Chelsea.

However, this season he has made just five appearances and is yet to start a Premier League game.

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