PETR’S MADE ME PERFECT
Mendy says Cech has turned him from unknown to star
Stamford Bridge,
EDOUARD MENDY has praised mentor Petr Cech for helping him make the transition from relative unknown to one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
Chelsea signed the 28-yearold for £22million in September from French club Rennes, where Cech began his career.
Manager Frank Lampard credited his technical advisor for being the driving force behind the transfer and since then the goalkeeping legend has taken a more hands-on role with the goalkeepers at the club – even to the extent of renewing his player registration for the season.
Mendy, out of work for 12 months earlier in his career, failed to break through when given a shot at Marseille.
But after just 63 top-flight games in France, he has grasped his opportunity at Stamford Bridge, establishing himself as No. 1 choice oice ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga aft (right) with a string of clean sheets.
And while there are not many people the 6ft
6in Senegal international nal looks up to, Cech is one of the exceptions.
“First and foremost, for me he’s one of the very best in the business,” said Mendy. “So if someone like that backs you, you think to yourself that you must be doing something right. It’s a big deal.
“And now I’m lucky enough to train with him, which means I get to learn from him and hear how he thinks I can improve my game. Obviously, that’s a real privilege. I’m making the most of it every day and I’ll continue to do so.”
Mendy, who has already kept nine clean sheets for the Blues this season, has the task of shu shutting out West Ham at S Stamford Bridge tonight. A And, if he does, Cech w wil get a lot of the c credit. “He’s given me lo lots of advice on lots of diff different things. He passes on his own experiences,” Mendy said. “If it’s anything that can help me improve more quickly or get to a higher level, then it’s great to have that advice. So you listen and you try to put it into practice. When he talks about your game, you have got to be open and listen because it’s coming from someone who has won pretty much everything and played at the highest level for so many years. So like I say, it really is a privilege.”
With the outfield players guided by another world-class player in Lampard, Mendy says it is up to the Chelsea squad to allow themselves to be led by example this season.
“When we’re picked, we’ve got to show why we’re here and why the coach is putting his faith in us,” he said. “Each of us has to help the team to go further and achieve its goals.
“That’s what it always comes down to: performing, and exceeding expectations.”
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