Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann believes that Petr Cech could face some stiff competition from new signing Bernd Leno this season. The 36-year old Czech started in Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester City. He did a pretty decent job despite Arsenal losing 2-0.
Lehmann thinks that Petr Cech won’t have it easy this season. He said, “There’s a new guy that came in for £20 million. He’s competition. We don’t know who the coaches like. If he tries a new player out, if not the other guy is playing. Bernd is a good keeper, no doubt about that. The question is: can he show more than he did in the past? He must take more risks and continue his development. He does that – good!”
Cech himself admitted that he will face a tough task keeping his place in the starting XI. He said, “We all came to the pre-season to fight for the spot, every player always wants to be in the line-up and it is the same with us goalkeepers. On Saturday, I was told I was starting the game and from now on it will be up to me how well I play and whether the manager wants me. So we will see. If you perform you have a chance to play as many games as you can and I will do that. It was a challenge and obviously I was happy to get the nod, but nothing is finished. You have to work hard to retain the spot.”
Cech also said that it would take some time for Arsenal to develop under new coach Unai Emery. He said, “The fans have to understand that when you start building a new team with a new manager and a completely new way it may take time.
I was at Chelsea for 11 years and I had nine or 10 managers so I’m kind of used to it. Every manager brings his new way of thinking, new motivation, new philosophy and new energy as well. We have been working really well and really hard to make a step forward in our preparation and although the result was negative, there were a lot of positives. We need to adjust a few things but we are on a good way. Obviously, in City we faced probably the biggest favourite to win the title. Next week we have another big game but we will be better prepared because we have this game behind us.”
Arsenal’s next match is against Petr Cech’s former team Chelsea on Saturday.
