Petr Cech admits Chelsea’s defensive errors were “exactly what we didn’t want to do” by playing to Napoli’s strengths.
“It was an amazing game to watch for the supporters, as there were many counter-attacks, transitions and chances, which is exactly what we didn’t want to do,” he told Sky Sports after their 3-1 defeat.
Petr Cech admits Chelsea’s defensive errors were “exactly what we didn’t want to do” by playing to Napoli’s strengths.
“It was an amazing game to watch for the supporters, as there were many counter-attacks, transitions and chances, which is exactly what we didn’t want to do,” he told Sky Sports after their 3-1 defeat.
“This sums up the game a little bit, because when you come to a place where their strongest part is the counter-attack and scoring goals, then you allow them so many transitions or moments where you risk being punished.
“We went 1-0 up and had a spell where we had control of the game, but the goal arriving almost at half-time made the difference, as they were able to sit back and wait for the counter-attack.
“We had some possession and tried to score the goal, but the more we did that, the more chances they had to score. Unfortunately, that’s what happened, as they scored a third goal and became dangerous for us.
“We were ready and always saying we would not give them a chance to go on the counter. The game was going the way we had chances and so got more confident going forward, which is what they were waiting for. They scored more goals than us.”
Goalkeeper Cech was particularly frustrated at the third goal scored by Ezequiel Lavezzi.
“David Luiz was there to clear the ball, but it took a bounce off the player and went back into his path and another one was ready to tap it in. When everything goes wrong, then you have a rebound like that, as the bounce could’ve gone anywhere and I went to cover him.
“We keep working hard on the training ground, but unfortunately don’t seem to transform that on to the pitch.
“We still have talented players and will turn it around, but sooner is better than later, as we are not in a position where we can afford to drop points in the League.
“In the Champions League we left ourselves a two-goal deficit to climb, it’s not an ideal situation, but we are still in it and will fight.”