Cech welcomes Chelsea break

Petr Cech admits he is happy to enter a ‘relaxed’ atmosphere with the Czech Republic squad after enduring ‘problems’ with Chelsea.

Andre Villas-Boas has come under increased pressure following his side’s poor performance in the Champions League and the FA Cup in recent weeks, while a faltering Premier League campaign has overshadowed the Portuguese’s reign at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea boss has also admitted to differences with the club’s senior players, and Cech admits he is welcoming the international break.

“When you go with the national team and then go back with the club, it’s two different things,” Cech said.

“If you have all the sort of problems in the club and the club is not doing well and you come to an atmosphere where everyone is relaxed because you have made your target by reaching the European Championship, then the atmosphere is different and you can enjoy it.”

“But you always separate the two teams because, whatever problems you have with the national team or with the club, it doesn’t really concern the team you are in.”

“It’s a different type of challenge. It will be a big challenge to turn things around. But I think we will finish better than fourth.”

The Czech Republic’s friendly against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday sees Cech come up against Stephen Hunt, the player who caused the goalkeeper a severe head injury following a collision in 2006.

“I don’t travel to Birmingham to have dinner with him … I have no time for that. No, I’m joking,” Cech said.

“Any time, after the game when we meet each other, we have a little chat. At the last game of last season we swapped shirts as well.”

“There are things in life that happen and are unfortunate. You can’t take it back, so you have to look forward and do something about it.”

“I could be sitting at home every day being upset about it but that is not the way I want to live. I want to enjoy every time I play a football game, even against him and everyone else.”

“It is always better when you know that you put the bad things behind and you concentrate on what is in the future.”