As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Arsenal keeper Cech: I never had rotations at Chelsea...

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech says he never had to worry about rotations at Chelsea.

Despite being the Gunners' number one, the 35-year-old finds himself rotated for cup competitions, with back-up keeper David Ospina assuming the role between the sticks.

"At Chelsea we never decided which competition you play, it was a game by game process," said the Arsenal keeper. "If you kept playing well then you were fit and you didn't need rest then the manager had his choice to pick the goalkeeper for the competitions.

"Sometimes I would sit a game out or be on the bench but it would not be decided, 'You play this competition, you play this competition'.

"I enjoyed that because I love this competition for example, to be involved and play FA Cup games. Any other competition makes it a bit more spicy and special."

He continued: "You have to respect the way your manager sets up the team or what he plans for the season.

"I had known prior to the season that David would play the FA Cup games. Obviously I would love to play the competition as well but you have to respect the manager's decisions.

"I ended up playing the quarter-final and semi-final [last season], but then I didn't play the final so I had some part in the process.

"It's about respecting your colleague and your coach's decision. Obviously you can tell you would prefer the other way but it's the decision of the coach."

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free