Petr Cech: It's third time lucky in Champions League for Chelsea against Liverpool
By Steve Wilson
Last Updated: 9:57am BST 30/04/2008
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Petr Cech goes in to tonight's Champions League semi-final second leg against Liverpool with the pain of defeat to the same opposition at the same stage of the competition still fresh in his mind.
# Chelsea chairman insists Bridge brawl 'not racist'
# Benitez: Liverpool will beat Chelsea again
# Chelsea homepage | Liverpool homepage
Twice, under previous manager Jose Mourinho, Liverpool proved an insurmountable hurdle on route to the final, despite Cech keeping a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge in both ties.
Third time lucky for Petr Cech and Chelsea
Battered but unbeaten: Another clean sheet from Cech would see Chelsea through
Liverpool have not scored at Chelsea's home in their last eight visits. In 2005 and last season that did not prevent them prevailing in the second leg at Anfield where victory by a single goal and then on penalties denied Chelsea.
This time around Chelsea have the advantage of a second leg at home and, thanks to John Arne Riise's late aberration last week, know another goalless draw would be enough to set up a final meeting with Manchester United.
"We were ready to go to the final the last two times," says Cech. "We wanted it but it didn't happen.
"This is a third opportunity to make it happen and we don't want to miss out again.
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Another clean sheet tonight for the imposing Czech goalkeeper would see Chelsea safely through, but Cech insists the team's approach will remain a positive one.
"You cannot start a game looking for a 0-0 draw," says Cech. "No team in the world would do that.
"We want to score and make it even more difficult for them. Of course, if you get to the 85th minute and it is still 0-0, maybe you can think about defending more. But before that we will be positive.
"Every clean sheet matters, but this one would be even sweeter."
Distinctive for his huge frame and a talent that has many rating Cech as the best goalkeeper in the world, he is further distinguished now by his trademark headgear.
A collision with Stephen Hunt fractured Cech's skull and a training ground collision with team-mate Ben Tal Haim required 50 stitches to his face, requiring Cech to sport a skull cap and chin card as well as gloves.
"I've been unlucky this season with injuries but I couldn't wait to come back," says Cech.
"Some people say I look a bit funny with my head guard and the chin strap, but even if I had to play with all my face covered, I'd be happy.
"I just want to be on the pitch. I don't think about injuries while I'm playing."
# Premier League transfer talk
# Football fans' forum
Meanwhile, Avram Grant's controversial wife, Tzofit, has revealed that the constant criticism in the media since here husband was appointed as Chelsea manager has taken its toll.
"Avram deserves a lot of credit for what he has done at Chelsea," she said. "It has not been easy living with this criticism, day after day. He has worked very hard.
"All the things that have been written about him we see, and some of them are not nice. People should give him more credit than they have."
She also gave a clue as to how Grant views his own future at Chelsea, in contrast to Grant's own assertions that he is already planning for next season.
"We do not know what will happen next year. We have learnt not to make plans.
By Steve Wilson
Last Updated: 9:57am BST 30/04/2008
Have your say Read comments
Petr Cech goes in to tonight's Champions League semi-final second leg against Liverpool with the pain of defeat to the same opposition at the same stage of the competition still fresh in his mind.
# Chelsea chairman insists Bridge brawl 'not racist'
# Benitez: Liverpool will beat Chelsea again
# Chelsea homepage | Liverpool homepage
Twice, under previous manager Jose Mourinho, Liverpool proved an insurmountable hurdle on route to the final, despite Cech keeping a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge in both ties.
Third time lucky for Petr Cech and Chelsea
Battered but unbeaten: Another clean sheet from Cech would see Chelsea through
Liverpool have not scored at Chelsea's home in their last eight visits. In 2005 and last season that did not prevent them prevailing in the second leg at Anfield where victory by a single goal and then on penalties denied Chelsea.
This time around Chelsea have the advantage of a second leg at home and, thanks to John Arne Riise's late aberration last week, know another goalless draw would be enough to set up a final meeting with Manchester United.
"We were ready to go to the final the last two times," says Cech. "We wanted it but it didn't happen.
"This is a third opportunity to make it happen and we don't want to miss out again.
advertisement
Another clean sheet tonight for the imposing Czech goalkeeper would see Chelsea safely through, but Cech insists the team's approach will remain a positive one.
"You cannot start a game looking for a 0-0 draw," says Cech. "No team in the world would do that.
"We want to score and make it even more difficult for them. Of course, if you get to the 85th minute and it is still 0-0, maybe you can think about defending more. But before that we will be positive.
"Every clean sheet matters, but this one would be even sweeter."
Distinctive for his huge frame and a talent that has many rating Cech as the best goalkeeper in the world, he is further distinguished now by his trademark headgear.
A collision with Stephen Hunt fractured Cech's skull and a training ground collision with team-mate Ben Tal Haim required 50 stitches to his face, requiring Cech to sport a skull cap and chin card as well as gloves.
"I've been unlucky this season with injuries but I couldn't wait to come back," says Cech.
"Some people say I look a bit funny with my head guard and the chin strap, but even if I had to play with all my face covered, I'd be happy.
"I just want to be on the pitch. I don't think about injuries while I'm playing."
# Premier League transfer talk
# Football fans' forum
Meanwhile, Avram Grant's controversial wife, Tzofit, has revealed that the constant criticism in the media since here husband was appointed as Chelsea manager has taken its toll.
"Avram deserves a lot of credit for what he has done at Chelsea," she said. "It has not been easy living with this criticism, day after day. He has worked very hard.
"All the things that have been written about him we see, and some of them are not nice. People should give him more credit than they have."
She also gave a clue as to how Grant views his own future at Chelsea, in contrast to Grant's own assertions that he is already planning for next season.
"We do not know what will happen next year. We have learnt not to make plans.
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