After Thibaut Courtois played the full 90 minutes for Chelsea FC against Real Sociedad on Tuesday, many believed that he would start the club’s Premier League opener against Burnley. That was the young Belgian’s Stamford Bridge debut and it was his first time playing a full match for Chelsea. He was able to keep a clean sheet but in truth did not have very much to do as the Blues won comfortably.
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Jose Mourinho was asked why he played Courtois for the whole match and he said, “I played Thibaut for 90 minutes because he was injured and didn’t play last weekend. Petr played two matches in Turkey and the first half against Ferencvaros. Since he arrived Courtois has only played 45 minutes against Werder Bremen, he needs to play.”
Mourinho also told the media to stop reading in to his decision-making for the preseason as a tell for what he will do in the regular season. He said, “The fact Courtois played 90 minutes wasn’t me saying he’s first choice for Monday, it’s because he didn’t play the last three matches.” Mourinho also said, “the players don’t know [who’s first choice]. When will I tell them? On Sunday.”
Rumors are swirling today that Thibaut Courtois has won the battle against Petr Cech for the number one keeper today and that Cech has been told to find another club. The move makes sense financially for the club and in terms of the Premier League homegrown player rules but it will still be hard for Chelsea fans to swallow.
If these rumors are false and Mourinho is able to rotate his keepers based on the many competitions Chelsea will be involved in then keeper will certainly be a position of great strength for the Blues.
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