Petr Cech must cut emotional ties with Chelsea to succeed at Arsenal, says Jens Lehmann

Cech needs to be emotionally detached from Chelsea, says Jens Lehmann

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has urged Petr Cech to now put Chelsea out of his mind and move on if he wishes to win trophies at the Emirates. The Czech Republic international was signed by Arsenal last week and will most likely take his place in between the sticks on August 2 for the Community Shield match at Wembley, ironically, against his previous side Chelsea.

Cech’s transfer is not as bitter as some of the transfers that have taken place in the recent past among the top London clubs. Sol Campbell’s transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to their north London rivals Arsenal in 2001, where he consequently enjoyed a very successful spell, evoked much more vitriol. Ashley Cole’s transfer from Arsenal to Chelsea in exchange for William Gallas in September 2006 was another transfer that was full of controversy.

Speaking to the Sun, Lehmann said: "It's not easy to suddenly go from Chelsea, where he has spent almost his whole career winning many trophies, to the other side of the capital with a rival. Before you can have it in your heart to win titles again, you have to get rid of the love you had before.”

"At Chelsea, for Petr, it was his passion and he showed great commitment. But, as a professional, he must get over it and needs to know Arsenal want him to win things again for them,” he added while talking to the Sun.

Cech’s presence will help Szczesny

The former Arsenal goalkeeper also spoke about how Cech would add to the winning mentality needed in the dressing room.

Lehmann said, "With someone in there like Petr, with Per Mertesacker now as captain, they can re-establish this winning attitude and mentality. Yet, let me tell you, that is not an easy thing to get over psychologically... it can take a few weeks, even a few months,” as quoted by the Sun.

The German, who was the last goalkeeper to win the Premier League title with Arsenal, in the unforgettable 2003-04 season when they went unbeaten throughout the season. He also had kind words for Wojciech Szczesny, who will most likely be on the bench, deputising for Cech.

Lehmann said Cech’s arrival will be good for Szczesny, saying, ?"It's disappointing when you lose your place. Wojciech has to work really hard and know that nothing else counts apart from performing hard on the training pitch and in games," to the Sun.