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Chelsea Deny Petr Cech Is Under Threat
Blues not shopping for goalkeepers in January...
28-Dec-2009 3:43:15 AM
Chelsea have forcefully countered claims that they are seeking a replacement for goalkeeper Petr Cech ahead of the January transfer window.
Cech arrived from Rennes in 2004 and quickly acquired a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but fluctuations in form and confidence since a lengthy lay-off in 2006-07 have fed rumours that he might be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.
The Czech international's shot-stopping abilities have never been called into question, but his positioning, concentration and command of his penalty area have all been subject to scrutiny on occasion.
Reported targets for manager Carlo Ancelotti include Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon, CSKA Moscow's Igor Akinfeev and Hugo Lloris of Lyon.
However, with all three cup-tied in Europe, a move could damage Chelsea's efforts to win their first ever Champions League crown.
At 27, Cech is still younger than most goalkeepers at their prime, and Chelsea's reaction to the rumours was one of vigorous denial.
"It is absolute rubbish," a club spokesman told Sky Sports.
The comments are unlikely to dampen speculation - as Cech and those at Stamford Bridge will know too well, only a return to top form will silence the whispers.
Edward Pearce, Goal.com
For more on Chelsea, please visit our Chelsea page!
Cech arrived from Rennes in 2004 and quickly acquired a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but fluctuations in form and confidence since a lengthy lay-off in 2006-07 have fed rumours that he might be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.
The Czech international's shot-stopping abilities have never been called into question, but his positioning, concentration and command of his penalty area have all been subject to scrutiny on occasion.
Reported targets for manager Carlo Ancelotti include Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon, CSKA Moscow's Igor Akinfeev and Hugo Lloris of Lyon.
However, with all three cup-tied in Europe, a move could damage Chelsea's efforts to win their first ever Champions League crown.
At 27, Cech is still younger than most goalkeepers at their prime, and Chelsea's reaction to the rumours was one of vigorous denial.
"It is absolute rubbish," a club spokesman told Sky Sports.
The comments are unlikely to dampen speculation - as Cech and those at Stamford Bridge will know too well, only a return to top form will silence the whispers.
Edward Pearce, Goal.com
For more on Chelsea, please visit our Chelsea page!
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