Asmir Begovic determined to push Thibaut Courtois at Chelsea FC
Crunch Sports Staff
in Soccer 31 Jul 2021
Asmir Begovic (credit: Elsa/Getty Images)
Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is determined to push Thibaut Courtois as hard as possible for the No. 1 position with the Premier League champions this season.
The 28-year-old Bosnia international joined the Blues from Stoke City on a four-year deal earlier this summer, with many pundits expecting him to play a back-up role to the impressive Courtois.
However, Begovic is eager to show exactly what he can do and pile the pressure on his Belgian team-mate to continue to produce top-class performances.
He told reporters: “I want to test myself against Thibaut – he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world but I believe in myself. I want to try and get as many games as I can.
“Hopefully, every time I can show everybody what I’m all about and ultimately help this team. We all have to play our part and at a club like this I think you get to do so.
“There have been no guarantees. The challenge that’s here, was what attracted to me and that was a big part of my decision. I’ll back myself.”
Meanwhile, Blues boss Jose Mourinho has calmed fears over injuries sustained by Gary Cahill and Diego Costa in the pre-season friendly against Barcelona in Washington.
England defender Cahill suffered a suspected broken nose, while Spain striker Costa complained of a tight hamstring, but Mourinho does not believe that either issue is too serious.