Monday 25 August 2014 10:51, UK
John Terry says only Petr Cech can decide how long he is prepared to compete with Thibaut Courtois at Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho has drafted Courtois back into his plans this season following three years out on loan at Atletico Madrid.
The Belgium international has been handed a starting berth in each of Chelsea’s opening two fixtures, helping to secure back-to-back successes as Cech has been forced to make do with a place on the bench.
He is like all of us. A bit nervous, first game at the Bridge and it is nice to get settled, to get our feet under the table and he has certainly done that.
It has been suggested that the Czech will look to move on before the summer transfer window closes, with a goalkeeper of his undoubted ability deserving of regular first team football.
Terry concedes that Cech has a tough decision to make, especially as Courtois put in another impressive showing in a 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday – with one crucial save from David Nugent paving the way for Chelsea to go on and claim all three points.
The Stamford Bridge skipper said: “It was important Thibaut made a big save.
“It is the same for him as well, like Diego (Costa) with the goals – important that he has a couple of good early saves in front of the fans.
“None bigger than that, a one-on-one, we could have gone 1-0 down but he pulls off a great save and gets a great reception from the fans. That will help him settle in.
“He is like all of us. A bit nervous, first game at the Bridge and it is nice to get settled, to get our feet under the table and he has certainly done that.”
Terry added: “It is very hard to take for big Petr but he is Chelsea through and through and has been unbelievable in the way he has responded in training and in his attitude.
“Some players throw their toys out of the pram, and Petr 100 per cent has not done that. He is fighting for his place.
“How long can he fight for his place? I don’t know that.
“That is a decision for him and the club to decide but we have got two of the best keepers in the world.
“Petr has done it for many years and if Thibaut can replicate that, it will take some doing.”
