Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho described the return of loanee goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as ‘logical’ and said he has no qualms whatsoever in leaving him or Stamford Bridge’s long-serving stalwart Petr Cech on the bench.
The Chelsea boss is spoilt for choice for quality stoppers this coming season. It is no secret he prefers at least three players for every position and Mourinho has certainly fulfilled that requirement where his goalkeeper position is concerned.
After three seasons on loan to Atletico Madrid followed by months of speculation over Courtois (whether he will return to Chelsea, be sold to Atletico or any number of other leading sides who were reportedly keen to sign him), the Belgian star’s immediate future has at last been confirmed and Mourinho wants him for himself.
This decision that has delighted many of the Chelsea faithful, at the same time leaving others concerned as to where Courtois’ presence would leave the man who has been their much loved No.1 for a whole decade – 32-year-old Czech international keeper, Cech.
Courtois is by far the youngest of the two at 22 and tipped to he the first choice for Chelsea’s upcoming domestic and European runs. He was first choice keeper for a solid Atletico side last season, having played 56 games for the Spanish heavyweights across all competitions including all but one of their 13 Champions League fixtures.
As well as winning the La Liga title, Atletico finished Champions League runners-up, putting Courtois in the spotlight with his strong and consistent performances throughout the tournament.
Cech, who has won the Premier League title four times with Chelsea, the Champions League once and a number of domestic honours including FA Cups, has been widely regarded as one of the best keepers in the world in recent years and holds a number of records including best Premier League goalkeeper (highest number of clean sheets) in 2005, 2007 and 2008 and keeper that made the fewest number of appearances to achieve 100 clean sheets (180 games).
With two years remaining on his contract with the Blues, the Czech ace has made it clear he would be very unhappy to be pushed out of his No.1 spot on a regular basis, but his straight-talking boss has made no secret of the fact he will not hesitate to be ruthless.
Mourinho said his decision over who to play will disregard the feelings of individuals and be based solely upon who he deems the best man to guard the Chelsea goal, on a case-by-case basis.
He told Chelsea’s official website: “It was logical that Courtois had to be back.
“It would be nonsense to have such a fantastic young goalkeeper and not to have him back. That decision was an easy one.
“If I have to make a decision for Cech to be on the bench, or for Courtois to be on the bench, it’s no problem for me. I will do what I think is the best.”
Mourinho also has further options in 40-year-old Mark Schwarzer, who stunned Blues supporters last season with his impressive performances in the Champions League tournament. The Australian keeper has signed another one-year deal with the Blues this summer, having proven his worth as one very quality and reliable back-up man.