Chelsea have appointed former goalkeeper Petr Cech as their new technical and performance advisor.
The 37-year-old’s role will be to provide advice on all football and performance matters, as well as developing stronger links between the academy and first team.
Cech will be based at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground and will work closely with director Marina Granovskaia and the coaching staff. He will also travel with the team home and away.
After confirming his return to Stamford Bridge, Cech told the club’s website: “I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to join Chelsea again and help create the best possible high level performance environment to continue the success the club has had over the past 15 years.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenge and hope I can use all of my football knowledge and experience to help the team achieve even more success in the future.”
Cech’s return to Chelsea is his first move since ending his playing career at the end of last season. His last professional match was Arsenal’s 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Europa League final in May.
The former Czech Republic international spent 11 years at Chelsea, winning 13 major trophies, including four Premier League titles and four FA Cups, before joining Arsenal in 2015.
Cech played a starring role as the Blues won the Champions League in 2012, saving a penalty in extra-time against Bayern Munich before stopping two more in the shootout.
His return to Stamford Bridge sees him take on some of the responsibilities of Michael Emenalo, who left his role as Chelsea’s technical director in November 2017 to join Monaco.
One of Cech’s first involvements will be to advise the club on the appointment of a new head coach following the departure of Maurizio Sarri.
Cech’s former team-mate Frank Lampard is expected to be approached by Chelsea for the job after leading Derby to the Championship play-off final in his first season in management.
Granovskaia welcomed Cech’s return, saying: “We are delighted to welcome Petr back home to Chelsea.
“During his playing career here he was one of the most dedicated, successful and thoughtful professionals we have ever had.
“We always hoped that when Petr was ready to retire we would see him back at Chelsea and we are thrilled to add his expertise and knowledge of the game to the technical staff.”
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