Petr Cech finding it tough to play backup to Thibaut Courtois, says Chelsea's goalkeeping coach

Cech has been the second choice goalkeeper this season

Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon has revealed that Petr Cech is finding it "difficult" to be second-choice to Thibaut Courtois. He also praised the Czech’s attitude towards the game.

Cech was a mainstay of Chelsea's starting XI for more than a decade. However, this term he has found himself playing second fiddle after the arrival of 22-year-old Thibaut Courtois, making just four Premier League starts.

Courtois has established himself in Jose Mourinho's lineup after returning from a breakthrough loan spell at Atletico Madrid. The Belgian was recently dropped for the win over Everton in the Premier League, with Mourinho saying the young goalkeeper needed to refocus.

However, Courtois returned for Tuesday's Champions League encounter against Paris Saint-Germain and put in a superb performance, earning praise from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“Not being first-choice is difficult for Cech”

50-year-old Lollichon moved to Stamford Bridge from Rennes with Cech back in 2004 after the goalkeeper requested him to come with. Lollichon admitted that 32-year-old Cech was struggling to come to terms with his new status at the club.

He said, “Since the start of the season, we've known that we have two of the three or four best goalkeepers in the world. Whether it's one or the other who plays, it doesn't change anything. They are two big goalkeepers both in terms of size and talent.”

“Of course it's difficult for Cech, who has been first-choice for 14 years in the clubs he's been at and who has been voted the Premier League's best goalkeeper several times, to be passed by a 22-year-old kid. He's a great pro who doesn't complain to the press, and who prepares himself as if he were going to play the next match.”