Germany legend fancies Petr Cech to step into coaching role after retirement

Germany legend Michael Ballack has spoken fondly about his time playing together with Petr Cech at former club Chelsea and believes the shot-stopper will step into coaching following his retirement from the game. The 36-year-old has recently announced his decision to step down from his playing days at the end of the season.

Speaking to Omni Sport, Ballack has praised the attitude of Cech over the years and said that he will be missed on the playing field from next term. However, the former Germany captain is optimistic that the Czech will consider a probable switch to the dugout where he can leave a huge influence on the upcoming players.

He said: “He’s a very nice guy and comfortable team-mate. “He speaks a lot of languages, so Petr had a good connection to a lot of players“. He was a very important person for the atmosphere in the dressing room. He had a great personality and was a big leader with a natural authority. The team accepted him, because of his appearance and his performances. With his retirement, football is losing a big personality. I’m sure that he will be staying in football, because he’s always thinking a “lot about this sport“. Petr will influence football with his big influence.”

Cech had been the number one choice between the sticks under Arsenel Wenger over the past three years but he has dropped down the pecking order this term with new boss Unai Emery preferring Bernd Leno for the league duties. Nonetheless, he has continued to command regular game time in the other competitions and he could end his career on a high, should the Gunners lift the Europa League at the end of the campaign. Cech is expected to feature for the Gunners on Thursday night where they are scheduled to face BATE Borisov away from home in the first leg of the Europa League round of 32.