It’s been tough seeing Cech lose place, says keeper coach

CHELSEA goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon admits he has found it difficult seeing Petr Cech replaced as No1 by Thibaut Courtois this season.

Cech has said he wants to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer after experiencing the first campaign of his Chelsea career as second choice.

Lollichon has formed a strong bond with Cech, having been his goalkeeping coach at Rennes between 2002-04 and then at Chelsea since 2007.

The Frenchman is a huge admirer of Courtois but has great sympathy for the position in which Cech has found himself.

Speaking about the struggle to separate his personal and professional feelings around the situation, Lollichon said: “It’s not easy because you’ve got a goalkeeper like Petr who is at the top of his form.

“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.”

Cech’s expected departure from Stamford Bridge — Arsenal, Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid are all interested in signing him this summer — raises a question over Lollichon’s own future, given the nature of his strong relationship with the Czech.

However, Lollichon is not worried about his situation at Chelsea. “The first thing you have to be ready for is what will happen to you,” he said.

“There have been coaches who have come (to Chelsea) with their full staff, including a goalkeeping coach. Today, I keep doing my job and people trust me.”