Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois feels for Petr Cech over his bench role last season.

Cech lost his starting spot in goal to the Belgium international this term after Courtois returned to Stamford Bridge from his three-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid last summer.

"We work great together," the Belgian told L'Equipe.

"It's tough when you have a goalkeeper at such a high level. It pushes you to never slacken off. I'm strong in my head and both of us are decisive.

"If he wants to go, that would be his choice. It's a shame that such a skilled goalkeeper must stay on the bench. When I look at his level, I'm happy for the season I've accomplished."