• Premier League

Cech fires warning at big-spending City

Petr Cech believes the team dynamic will be the most important element in the battle for domestic honours © Getty Images

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Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech believes Manchester City must build a team before they can be considered a serious threat to the Premier League title, declaring "money has never won anything".

Cech has watched on as new City manager Manuel Pellegrini has immediately signed Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Alvara Negredo and Stevan Jovetic.

However, the 31-year-old concludes the team dynamic will be the most important element as teams battle for domestic honours next season.

He told the Sun: "Money has never won anything. You can spend as much as you want but you must build a team first.

"Yes, City have huge competition for every place. They have a new manager, new expectations and new motivations.

"And if they build a team they will be a tough opponent and rival for us in the Champions League and for the Premier League title. But so will Manchester United. So will Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool.

"Arsenal's spell without trophies is too long, they want to prove their critics wrong. Tottenham were on the edge of going into the Champions League, they'll want to keep their challenge up. Manchester United are the champions. And Manchester City have spent money to challenge. That's the reality of the situation.

"So, at Chelsea, we know it's going to be a tough season but we're here as well and working hard to be ready for the challenge.

"We'll try our best to win the league. Our aim is to do the very best we can. We know what our objectives and targets are and will go game by game and try to win everything we can and then see."

Blues boss Jose Mourinho this week declared John Terry "is not safe" in terms of his position and Cech insists he is in a similar situation after the acquisition of Mark Schwarzer from Fulham.

"I'm not protected either, I'm the same as everybody else. We all have to earn the manager's choice and everyone is working hard to do so.

"At the big clubs, it is always the same, there's high competition for every place. You must make sure you are ready if you want to make your manager pick you.

"Mark has come in now and he is a fantastic goalkeeper. He has played at various World Cups with Australia and many, many games in the Premier League - so he is a great choice by the manager.

"And, for me, I know I have to keep my standards high if I want to play," he explained.

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