Jose Mourinho Hints At Possible Departure For Petr Cech

Aug 4, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech (1) directs traffic against AC Milan during the second half at Metlife Stadium. Chelsea won the game 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

When Jose Mourinho took charge of Chelsea FC the first time, he had to make the tough decision of naming youngster Petr Cech as the first choice keeper over the veteran Carlo Cudicini. Mourinho is faced with the healthy problem of having to choose between two world class goalkeepers again after Thibaut Courtois returns to Chelsea after having spent the previous three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid.

With Courtois ready to compete for his place in the club, it could also mean the Cech could be on his way out. With Mark Schwarzer third in line right now at the position, he proved to be a more than adequate back-up last season, even at the ripe old age of 41.

Judging some of Mourinho’s quotes published in this article yesterday makes it seem like the boss is content with letting Cech move to a different club should the Czech international seek more guaranteed first team minutes.

With Courtois being such a decorated and experienced player at such a young age, it would come as no surprise if he were to be named the No. 1 goalkeeper. If Courtois is named the No. 1, then Chelsea would definitely have to make a decision on who is going to be the No. 2 goalkeeper and that surely means that Cech or Schwarzer may have to depart the club.

I would have to believe that it is a real possibility that Cech could be sold as he definitely has at least 2-3 more years of being a bonafide No. 1 goalkeeper in most squads in Europe whereas Schwarzer is definitively a back up.

However, Cech has said that he “has no plans to leave Chelsea,” and that the competition “motivates me ever more.”

If Cech does retain his starting role, it means that Courtois gets to learn from one of the best in world for a season before he takes a hold of the No. 1 shirt.