Cech anticipates tough test

Goalkeeper points to Premier League quality

By Vasek Kadlec   Last updated: 4th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Cech anticipates tough test

Cech: Eager for silverware

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Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is anticipating another tight season in the Premier League.

The Blues narrowly missed out on the top-flight crown in 2007/08 as Manchester United won the league by three points.

At the other end of the table, the battle to avoid relegation also went to the wire, with only Derby County infamously finishing 24 points adrift after recording one victory all season.

And Cech believes competition within the highest echelon of English football will increase again this term following the heavy investment in the summer transfer market by a number of clubs.

"Look at how almost all clubs have spent big money on new players," Cech told Pravo.

European aim

"Not only the top four, but also the newcomers. Therefore, the case of last season's Derby County will not be repeated."

Meanwhile, Cech is eager to set the record straight after Chelsea suffered UEFA Champions League final defeat to United last season.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men have been drawn in Group A against Roma, Bordeaux and Romanian champions CFR Cluj this year.

Cech is confident Chelsea, who have suffered three semi-final defeats in the past five seasons, will progress through their group and that they can go on to win the competition.

"As last season's finalists, we should advance," Cech added.

"We have only the highest targets. We want a reach the final again and win the trophy at last."