Mourinho 'optimistic' of keeping Cech at Chelsea

Everyone's been expecting Petr Cech to wander off into the sunset this summer. Having been displaced as Chelsea's number one by Thibaut Courtois, Cech's been making noises about wanting more playing time, and that's put every club in Europe who needs a top goalkeeper on high alert. The question has not been 'will he stay?' but rather 'where will he go?' And so naturally Jose Mourinho is enjoying himself turning his expectations on his head.

Mourinho: "I keep saying the same. I want my best players. Petr is one of my best. I would like him to stay."

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) May 15, 2015

Mourinho on Cech: "I have to say, yes, I am optimistic that he can be here next year."

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) May 15, 2015

Some context to that 'I have to say, yes' -- Mourinho was responding directly to 'do you expect Cech to be at Chelsea next season'. I'd still be skeptical of keeping him around, but from what the manager's saying the legendary keeper's departure is far from a foregone conclusion.

As for the other transfer rumours:

Mourinho: "A little busy. I like my squad very much. Young squad, space to improve."

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) May 15, 2015

Mourinho: "Last year, I was very keen to sell some players. This year, the base is to keep the squad."

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) May 15, 2015