The 2014-15 season has been a great season for Chelsea, winning both the Premier League and the Capital One cup in Jose Mourinho’s second season since his return. Not so much for Petr Cech however, the thirty two year old goalkeeper has endured a tough season and has been limited to five Premier League starts all season.
Cech announced he ‘did not want another season like this’. Cech’s agent has also confirmed Arsenal, PSG and Manchester United are all interested in his services. Through Football Manager, we have predicted how he would manage at those respective clubs.
What have we changed?
To replicate any possible scenarios, we have changed a number of factors. Bournemouth, Watford and Middlesbrough have been promoted. Hull, QPR and Burnley have gone down. Finally, David De Ge has moved to Real Madrid.
Arsenal
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Cech after they have failed to find consistency between the sticks during the 2014-15 season. With Wojciech Szczesny’s future in doubt and David Ospina not looking like he is up to the task at Arsenal, Wenger pounced for the Chelsea shot stopper.
Transfers
Cech was not the only arrival at The Emirates over the summer, Neven Subotic and Ander Iturraspe were two of four players that also joined the Gunners.
After joining from their London rivals, Cech slotted straight into Arsene Wenger’s starting XI. Cech put in a number of consistent performances and enjoyed a 2-1 victory against his former side Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Cech went on to be Arsenal’s first choice goal keeper and made a total of 43 appearances in all competitions during his debut season at The Emirates. However, he failed to change Arsenal’s fortunes in the Champions League, Arsenal were knocked out by Benfica in the first knockout round. The Portuguese side ran out 4-3 winners on aggregate.
Cech was also unable to improve on Arsenal’s league form as the Gunners finished in a familiar fourth place, despite a number of impressive performances.
Personal Achievements
Cech needed no time to settle in at Arsenal, he was consistent throughout the season as he conjured up an impressive 7.15 average rating. During his 43 appearances, Cech conceded a total 48 goals in all competitions. Surprisingly, eight less than Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois who conceded 55 in all competitions. Cech was also named in the Premier League team of the week on three different occasions.
Paris Saint-Germain
The French giants have been linked with a move for Petr Cech following the transfer of David Luiz between the two clubs. Salvatore Sirigu has come under scrutiny in Paris and the Ligue 1 champions were looking for an upgrade to push on in the Champions League.
Transfers
Cech was the only player to sign for PSG this summer, with the club believed to be embroiled in a battle to avoid sanctions with financial fair play. The French side also sold Gregory Van Der Weil to Tottenham Hotspur.
Petr Cech had one of the best seasons of his career during his debut season in France. He helped Paris Saint-Germain towards a domestic treble as they retained their Ligue 1 title, lifted the Coupa de Ligue and the French Cup.
Personal Achievements
Cech made a total of 31 appearances in France with his season being cut short by a torn calf muscle. Despite the injury, he boasts an eye catching 7.08 average rating. Since replacing Salvatore Sirigu as number one he conceded just 34 goals in all competitions, drastically lower than his time at Arsenal.
Although Cech picked up three winners medals, he failed to win any other achievements and did not manage to break into the Ligue 1 team of the week at all throughout the season.
Manchester United
Manchester United came calling Cech’s services after David De Gea completed his much anticipated move to Real Madrid. Cech joined to provide competition for Victor Valdes and Asmir Begovic, who also joined the Red Devils.
Transfers
Cech was one of many signings in Louis Van Gaal’s second season at Old Trafford. Cech joined fellow new signings Wesley Sneijder and Jan Vertonghen in a new look Manchester United side. Dede and Mateo Musacchio also made up a new look Manchester United defence.
Cech had a very successful first season at Manchester United. Cech started 29 games in all competitions, a much lower total when compared against his season at Arsenal. Despite the lower number of games, Cech went on to win the Premier League with Manchester United and reach the Semi-Final of the Capital One Cup.
He enjoyed a similar fortune when he played his former side, Chelsea. Manchester United also found a way beat Mourinho’s men at Stamford Bridge.
Personal Achievements
Despite rotating with Asmir Begovic throughout the campaign, Petr Cech was named in the Premier League team of the week on seven different occasions. He managed to maintain his high standards through the season whenever he was called upon, averaging an very impressive 7.30 rating.
Cech only conceded 27 goals in all competitions, lower than his time at Arsenal and PSG. Although his number of appearances may have played a factor in that.
Which direction would you like to see him take? Where do you feel he will be most successful? Be sure to let us know in the comment section below.
