How Dunkerque Almost Signed Chelsea Champions League Winner

In a candid interview with lavoixdunord.fr, former Chelsea goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon recounts his extraordinary effort to convince legendary Czech goalkeeper, Petr Cech, to return to football for a final stint at Ligue 2 outfit Dunkerque.

Despite Cech’s recent switch to ice hockey, Lollichon’s close relationship with the 124-cap international prompted him to suggest a six-month contract. Although Cech ultimately declined due to physical concerns, the conversation underscores the unique bond between the two football professionals.

Lollichon, who worked closely with Cech during his time at Chelsea and Rennes, reflected on the offer: “I proposed to him a short six-month stint at Dunkerque. It would have been something incredible, and more than just a media buzz, it was about working together again. He sent me a smiley at first, then the next day, he called me saying, ‘Christophe, with my tendons, I won’t be able to do it.’ He didn’t say yes, but he certainly thought about it.”

A Deep Rooted Relationship

Lollichon and Cech first crossed paths at Rennes, and their partnership continued for nearly a decade at Chelsea. Lollichon fondly recalls their early discussions: “The first time I met him, it was after a match at Rennes. He asked for my thoughts, and I told him he wasn’t using his full height on the pitch. That curiosity he had was vital in pushing me to become a better coach.”

Over the years, Lollichon and Cech developed a unique synergy, analysing every aspect of the goalkeeper’s game. “I coached in 502 matches at Chelsea, 400 of those with Petr. We’d often spend hours analysing the finest details together, even down to centimetres in positioning. His dedication to improving was extraordinary.”

The pair’s innovative training methods, especially their work on vision and peripheral awareness, attracted the attention of McLaren’s F1 team. However, not every goalkeeper was as receptive to Lollichon’s approach. Reflecting on his time with Thibaut Courtois, he remarked: “Courtois didn’t fully embrace the methodology. I may not have explained it well enough, which led to some tension, eventually resulting in my departure from Chelsea’s first team.”

Working with the Greats

During his time at Chelsea, Lollichon worked under several renowned managers, including José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Guus Hiddink. He spoke candidly about the impact each coach had on him. “Carlo Ancelotti was an absolute pleasure to work with. He may have been too kind, which the players and staff eventually exploited. Still, his time at Chelsea remains a highlight.”

Lollichon also described the contrasting styles of Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, explaining: “Both approaches have worked, but Mourinho tends to burn through players, whereas Guardiola develops them. The two years with Mourinho were particularly challenging for me.”

Guus Hiddink, however, left a lasting impression on Lollichon: “Hiddink’s ability to read the atmosphere in the dressing room was remarkable. Within two days, he had figured everything out and tailored his approach accordingly.”

Site Opinion

Lollichon’s audacity to approach Petr Cech shows the strength of their professional and personal bond. Cech’s decision to consider, even briefly, returning to football reveals his respect for Lollichon’s coaching and the camaraderie they built over the years. Although Cech ultimately stayed retired, Lollichon’s boldness adds another chapter to their shared story.

From a wider football perspective, this story reflects the close relationships that form between players and coaches at the highest level. Lollichon’s experience with managers like Mourinho, Ancelotti, and Hiddink also highlights how differing managerial styles can profoundly influence a team’s dynamic. Football is as much about personal connections as it is about tactics and performance.