Cech questions decade-long Pochettino tactics that risk ruining Chelsea star

PETR CECH fears Mauricio Pochettino's goalkeeping philosophy risks ruining Djordje Petrovic's Chelsea career.

The 24-year-old Serbian international joined the Blues from New England Revolution last summer for £12.5 million.

Petr Cech fears Djordje Petrovic could be hurt by Mauricio Pochettino's philosophyCredit: AFP

Cech knows all about winning at Chelsea after capturing four league titlesCredit: AP

Cech made his comments while appearing as a guest on Monday Night Football

After struggling for minutes, he was finally given a chance in Chelsea's XI following an injury to Robert Sanchez.

Petrovic has since made 15 appearances for his new side, and fans have been impressed by his shot-stopping skills between the sticks.

Some have even compared the 6ft 3in stopper to Stamford Bridge legend and four-time Premier League winner Cech.

And the man himself turns out to be a fan of Petrovic.

However, he feels the gloveman is already being abused by Pochettino in west London.

Appearing on Monday Night Football ahead of Chelsea's visit to Crystal Palace, Cech highlighted how Petrovic will be instructed to stand deep on his goal line.

Cech believes that while this gives Petrovic more time to react to shots, it also creates a bigger target for opponents coming towards goal with the ball.

And the Chelsea icon believes it stems from Pochettino's Spanish roots, with the same philosophy seen for years at previous clubs such as Southampton and Tottenham.

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Cech claims Pochettino likes his goalkeepers to stay deep, while he prefers to play further outCredit: Reuters

Petrovic didn't come close to Jefferson Lerma's screamer when Chelsea played Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters

Cech explained: “In this position he is, for my taste, too deep. That's the philosophy you (the manager) have.

“Generally speaking, there are two philosophies in goalkeeping. Whether you want to take a more advanced position for shots, you close the gap, the corner, the target, but you have less reaction time.

I won the Premier League and rewrote history books with Chelsea while playing with BROKEN SHOULDERS, says Cech

“Or you drop deep on the goal line, which may give you a little more time for a save, but you still open the goal

“Pochettino's goalkeeping coach came to him from Tottenham, he has the philosophy of 'Okay, you drop back, you always create space'.

“I think it's the Spanish philosophy, personally I'm the other way around. In many situations it is advantageous for me to close the corner and have less reaction time, but have less space.”

Unfortunately for Petrovic, he didn't get the chance to prove Cech wrong after conceding a goal in the first half against Palace.

The goalkeeper was glued to his line when Jefferson Lerma's rocket struck him into the top corner from distance.