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Petr Cech admits he has been stunned by Chelsea's dismal start to the season.

The 33-year-old spent nine years at Stamford Bridge before joining Arsenal in a surprise deal last summer.

Since his departure, Chelsea have struggled and lie 16th in the Premier League after 12 games, having lost seven times already.

And Cech, whose new club lie 15 points above the champions, is baffled by their form.

"It makes me surprised,” Cech told Tyden . “It's a team that six months ago won the league.

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“Players stayed there, the coach added more to his liking.

"It is very hard to believe that the club is in such a state.

"I was surprised to see their suffering at the beginning of the league, but I was even more taken aback by the fact that the crisis still continues.”

(Image: Rex)

Cech meanwhile has revealed he would be more confident if he didn't have to wear his headgear during games.

The goalkeeper has been forced to wear protection since fracturing his skull at Reading in 2006.

He added: "Whether you like it or not, with the helmet surroundings are perceived differently.

"You have your ears covered, worse hearing. The doctor forbade me to take off the helmet, and if I did, I would not have insurance."