Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Petr Cech reveals the secret of his success at Arsenal and Chelsea - polyglotism

Cech also says hours of preparation and fearlessness are key factors

Wednesday 30 December 2015 10:45 GMT

(Getty Images)

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has revealed the secrets behind his success - his ability to speak in different languages to his multi-national team-mates.

Cech, who broke David James' record for most clean sheets in the Premier League after keeping his 170th in the 2-0 win against Bournemouth on Monday, is able to speak five languages; his native Czech, English, French, Spanish and German.

It means that the goalkeeper, who reached that record in 220 fewer games than James and holds a better rate (48 per cent) than any goalkeeper who has kept more than 100 clean sheets, is able to better communicate with his defenders.

"I speak to the full-backs [Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin] in Spanish, to [Laurent] Koscielny in French and to Per [Mertesacker] in English because for him it is the same as me. He organises people in English," Cech told the Daily Mirror.

"Sometimes foreign players wouldn’t know what you say. That’s when you realise it’s easier to say it in their language than hoping they will understand. It can happen."

Cech says hours and hours of preparation, a fearless attitude - despite the life-threatening head injury at Reading that means he wears a protective hat - and the ability to not allow mistakes to worry him are also key factors in his success.

"I remember the first training with [Chelsea] after the injury and there was a massive scramble in front of the goal. Everyone was trying to kick the ball, there were boots flying everywhere and I just dived in and grabbed the ball.

"Everyone kicked me and they were 'oh, we weren’t expecting that'. When I play I just play. I don’t think about it all. If I get injured, I get injured. That’s the way it is. You can’t avoid things like that.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Show all 11

1/11Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Petr Cech: 6 out of 10

Rarely tested on his way to his Premier League record-breaking clean sheet, overtaking David James in the process. As ever he exuded authority and never looked like he would be concerned.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Bellerin: 7 out of 10

As full of attacking endeavour as ever, he and Oxlade-Chamberlain often exchanged nice passes to release the Spaniard down the right. With Bournemouth tiring he excelled in the space they offered him, providing plenty of tempting crosses.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Mertesacker: 6 out of 10

It was no surprise that he struggled with the pacey running of Josh King in behind the Arsenal line. However when the ball was sent into the area Mertesacker was never found wanting, calmly repelling Bournemouth’s attacks.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Gabriel: 8 out of 10

A powerful header in the first half, his first goal in an Arsenal shirt, was no less than the Brazilian deserved. Equally impressive were two sliding tackles early in the second half as King bore down on goal as he provided excellent covering for Mertesacker.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Gibbs: 6 out of 10

Looked a more than adequate alternative to Nacho Monreal in a rare start, though the Spaniard would not expect to lose his place after a good, but not great, display by Gibbs.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Chambers: 5 out of 10

A tough experience of the challenges of playing in midfield in his first start in the position for nearly a year. The opening exchanges saw Bournemouth swarm the youngster, who seemed hesitant when he gifted possession to Arter. That was the story of the match for Chambers, who all too often could not be relied on with the ball at his feet. It may be too early to write the 20-year-old off as an anchorman but this was not an ideal start.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Ramsey: 6 out of 10

After offering solid protection from Manchester City’s attackers it was more of the same from Ramsey at the Emirates, making two excellent tackles to slow Bournemouth’s advance. That he combined this with sallies into the area was another encouraging sign for Wenger.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Oxlade-Chamberlain: 6 out of 10

A worrying display from Oxlade-Chamberlain, who did little to supplant Joel Campbell in Wenger’s affections with what was a display typical of his season. He was full of running, but all too often it was running down a blind alley. When he combined with Bellerin he seemed far more effective but at his worst he seemed too eager to be the star.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Mesut Ozil: 8 out of 10

With Arsenal seemingly stunned by Bournemouth’s bright start Ozil took hold of the contest and bent it to his will. Indeed questions must soon be asked over whether this team is too reliant on their star man. No other player looked like crafting a chance for much of the match, with Arsenal’s tactics seemingly just 'give it to the No.11’. It paid off in style, but is it sustainable?

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Walcott: 7 out of 10

Another convincing imitation of Alexis Sanchez from the striker, whose understanding with Ozil saw him make several enticing runs. On another day he may have scored but he was full of willingness to get into position to influence the game.

Arsenal ratings vs Bournemouth

Giroud: 6 out of 10

A quiet display from Giroud, who seemed more than any other to be showing signs of fatigue from Arsenal’s gruelling recent schedule. However the forward was able to make one critical touch, laying in Ozil for Arsenal’s crucial second.

2015 Getty Images

“During the game I never think about what happens if I make a mistake. I just play. I concentrate on what I have to every second of the game. Then at the end of the game you can sit down and think 'that was good or that was bad'."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies