EPL: Cech speaks on ‘rivalry’ with Arsenal goalkeeper, Bernd Leno

Arsenal’s No1, Petr Cech has said that he is playing for his Arsenal future at the Emirates, amid competition from summer arrival, Bernd Leno.

The new head coach, Unai Emery sanctioned a £19million deal for the Germany international during the summer transfer window, but the 26-year-old has been forced to play second fiddle to Cech so far this season.

Leno is set to make his belated debut against Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League on Thursday but will return to the bench for this weekend’s Premier League match against Everton.

“I guess [my future] depends on my performances, the way I play and the way I stay fit throughout the season. Then we’ll see what happens next,” Metro UK quoted Cech as saying when asked about his rivalry with his new teammate.

“When you bring players in you do that to improve the squad and to make it competitive and Bernd is here, trains every day and tries to get his spot which keeps everyone in the goalkeeping group on their toes including me, obviously.

“I have to work hard not only to make sure the manager picks me for the weekend but as well that he sticks with me.

“The goalkeeper situation is complicated as only one can play so the competition is bigger and at the moment I’ve been playing and I try to do my best and hope the manager is happy with my performances.

“I have always had great goalkeepers, David Ospina was great as was Carlo Cudicini and Hilario, behind me who pushed me all my career so I have to make sure I am ready.

“In sport this is the way it goes you always have someone waiting for your failure so they can jump in and you have to find a way to keep your spot.”