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Cech hails 'mentality' of Mourinho

Petr Cech claims the method of victory is not a priority for Jose Mourinho © Getty Images

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Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has hailed returning manager Jose Mourinho as one of the game's ultimate winners, as he prepares to renew acquaintances with his old boss next Monday.

Cech has claimed that Mourinho is willing to risk losing games in his desperation to win at all costs, with the method of victory not a priority for the Portuguese tactician.

"It's the mentality, the wording and the detail he puts into everything and he is a manager who'd rather lose than draw a game," Cech told the Guardian.

"Some would say: 'Okay, if you can't win it, just don't lose it.' But with him that's not the case. He's all about winning, and winning the right way. 'Right' doesn't necessarily mean in a 'great' way, as in a nice way to watch. Sometimes you have to win a game 'ugly'.

"If you play against a team who are really physical you have to find the way to compete. In the Premier League, teams play different styles and it's almost impossible to play 'nice' football.

"The 'right way' means you are tactically prepared and use the weapons to kill your opponent. Sometimes you impose the way you can play and you play football that is beautiful to watch; sometimes it's really scrappy, but you still need to win the game to win the title. This is the right way."

Cech believes Chelsea have a great opportunity to take advantage of the transformed landscape in the Premier League next season, yet he still predicts the chief challenge to come from Manchester's top two, despite their managerial changes this summer.

"We have an opportunity but City and United will still be the main threat," added Cech. "The Arsenal manager [Arsene Wenger] is under pressure as everyone keeps reminding him all the time since he won a trophy. They will want to show that they mean what they say, that they do want to challenge.

"Our ambition is the same: to try and win everything. The attraction for the fans, the media, even the neutrals is having Mourinho back and we'll all be under the spotlight, but it will not change the ambition of the club.

"He will judge better how we are different now to when he left. It's easier for someone who disappears and then comes back to see the changes, but I still believe he will find a great team with quality players, and facilities on a top level. Hopefully it will be something for him to start with."

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