02 January,2010 07:29 AM IST | | AFP
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, in the firing line for some recent error-prone showings, received a vote of confidence from coach Carlo Ancelotti, who described him as one of the best goalkeepers in the world yesterday.
Cech's relative loss of form in recent weeks was highlighted by Chelsea taking just nine points from a possible 18 in Decemberu00a0-- but Ancelotti rode to his defence.
"Petr Cech is one of the most important players for this team, one of the best goalkeepers in the world," Ancelotti said.
"I like him because he takes on responsibility in the box, he likes to come out to catch the ball. Above all, that's important in England, to have this kind of goalkeeper.
"A goalkeeper that takes responsibility can make the odd mistake. I prefer to have a goalkeeper who takes responsibility than one who just stays on his goalline and doesn't take that responsibility."
Cech is set to face Watford in the FA Cup third round tie on Sunday as Ancelotti wants to field a strong team in deference to the history and importance of the competition.
"I want to put out my best team. It's a very important competition in England. In Italy, the Italian Cup is not so important. "We want to do our best. It is one of our objectives, our aim, to win it. Last year we won it. We want to do the best again this year."
