Balance is the key for Cech as Chelsea continue to rebuild for next season

By Sportsmail Reporter

Published: 08:25 EST, 15 July 2012 | Updated: 08:25 EST, 15 July 2012

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between youth and experience as Roberto Di Matteo's squad for next season continues to take shape.

Despite their Champions League success, the Blues struggled in the Premier League last season, finishing sixth with many observers claiming their squad lacked the exuberance of youth.

But this summer has already seen a large turnover of players at Stamford Bridge, with Jose Bosingwa, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou moving on and Eden Hazard and Marko Marin coming in.

Hazard, Marin, Kevin De Bruyne - who has joined up with the first team after remaining on loan at Genk last season following his January transfer - and potential new arrival Oscar are all aged 23 or under.

And Cech told the Independent that the introduction of such young players will benefit Roberto Di Matteo's side, although he stressed the importance of keeping their experienced stars.

'It is important for a team to have new players, young players and experienced players,' he said.

'I hope we find the right balance to go through the season and have success.'

Cech, now 30, has been established as Chelsea's No 1 for eight years, and he revealed that he intends to remain at the club for another four years until his contract expires in 2016.

'In big clubs they are always buying top players for every position, it is up to you to keep your place,' he said.

'When the moment comes it will come, but I believe I have a lot to offer and I will try and keep my place for another four years.

'When I joined I tried to gain my place in the starting XI, to play as much as possible and win trophies, but I was not thinking I could be at Chelsea for 12 years.

'The club is a big part of my life and I am very happy there.'