Cudicini backs Courtois to overcome poor Chelsea form

The Belgian, who was sent off for a second time this season on Saturday, has endured a tough season but the former Blues No.1 has told him to ignore the critics and look ahead.

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Thibuat Courtois should remain as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper amid concerns over his form, according to Carlo Cudicini.

The 23-year-old has been linked with moves to both Real Madrid and Barcelona as the Blues wind down following a disastrous season, which saw them mount a worst ever defence of a Premier League title.

Courtois was dismissed for the second time this season as Chelsea were soundly beaten by Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, bringing down Fernandinho in the penalty area as his side lost 3-0.

Ex-Chelsea and Tottenham goalkeeper Cudicini has no doubts over Courtois's ability, though, and backed the Belgian to remain as the club's No.1 when Antonio Conte takes over after Euro 2016.

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"I think he is a very talented goalkeeper despite being very young," Cudicini told Goal. "He has already won La Liga with Atletico and the Premier League and has been to a Champions League final.

"He might not have had the best season but that is part of the process. When the entire team struggles then it is easy to be involved with that."

Courtois recently revealed he preferred Belgium's defence to Chelsea's back four a remark Courtois sympathises with but advised against similar comments in the future.

He added: "I don't think it is the right idea to point out the defenders and I think people point fingers at goalies even more so that might be why he said those things.





"Courtois was out for a while at the start of the season and has done OK, but in a team that overall struggled. I guess every goalkeeper isn't happy when the team concede goals but it is a team effort from the whole team when you defend."

Asmir Begovic will now deputise against Bournemouth and Tottenham, the later of which remain in the title hunt, and Cudicini feels Chelsea can boast the strongest first- and second-choice keepers in the Premier League.

He added: "Begovic played very well when Courtois was injured. I was really impressed with Asmir when Courtois was out. He had to show everyone he deserved the step up after moving from a smaller club and without a pre-season."

Begovic is understood to be happy to fight for his place at Chelsea under Conte despite being behind Courtois in the pecking order, having made 22 appearances in all competition this season.