Thibaut Courtois: No let-up after Petr Cech departure

Thibaut Courtois

says the pressure remains on him to deliver at

Chelsea

despite the departure of

Petr Cech

.

The goalkeeper was kept on his toes after dislodging Cech, who had been an integral part of Chelsea's success, winning 13 major trophies in 11 years. Cech has joined Arsenal, and with Asmir Begovic signed as the replacement, Courtois no longer has a Stamford Bridge legend breathing down his neck.

Begovic endured a nightmarish debut here on Wednesday, beaten four times by a young New York Red Bulls side as José Mourinho's Premier League champions were consigned to a 4-2 defeat. Courtois, however, welcomes all challengers.

‘Same as last year’

“It is the same as last year for me,” said the former Atlético Madrid player. “I started the pre-season thinking as a number one and trying to get myself ready for the first game. There is no difference in having Petr Cech behind me or Asmir. They’re both great keepers and I know I have to play well, and that is what I’m trying to do. We saw last season that having another good keeper is very good, because Petr saved us a lot of points and helped us to secure the Premier League title.

“My life is not any easier now. Last season was the same because I knew Petr wanted to play. I had the confidence of the manager and the team and I think I did well. You know when you have a good keeper behind you, you have to play well.

Mourinho, however, was less than thrilled with his keepers at Red Bull Arena. “I think Begovic was tired, the same as Courtois, and when goalkeepers are very tired, coordination is low, agility doesn’t exist, speed reaction doesn’t exist,” he said.

“Courtois made a mistake in the first half on his feet; Begovic in the second half was not sharp in his reactions.” Guardian Service