Thibaut Courtois: Charlie Adam's 65-yard goal hasn't fazed me

THIBAUT COURTOIS insists he has not suffered any sleepless nights since being beaten by the 65-yard goal of the season by Charlie Adam.

Thibaut Courtois Player Profile

Chelsea’s young Belgian goalkeeper has suffered a series of setbacks recently, his blunder at Hull enabling Abel Hernandez to score and last week watching as Adam’s shot from inside Stoke’s half sailed over his head.

But Courtois produced a commanding performance in the vital 1-0 win at QPR on Sunday, with one superb save from Matt Phillips in particular coming at a crucial time that was instrumental in Chelsea stretching their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points.

“I never doubted I could catch the ball,” he said. “Against Hull, I just tried to make the best solution to the situation. It was not the best bit of control, but in the second half in that game I showed that I am mentally strong and I saved the team.

“Against Stoke, if you want to play high as a team, as a goalkeeper you have to play high as well. Charlie Adam hit a good strike – that can happen.

“But I showed against QPR that if you play high, you can get the ball from the midfield. If I’m on the edge of the penalty area, I can go get the ball from there. For me it’s not a problem.

“I continue. I never doubt myself. That’s my strength. I helped the team with two good saves on Sunday, and I’m happy. The most important thing is the team and against Hull and Stoke we still won each game.

“I’m 22 and still learning. These were moments I will learn from.”

Thibaut CourtoisGETTY

Thibaut Courtois insists Charlie Adam's goal hasn't played on his mind

Didier Drogba meanwhile has insisted that he is not finished at the ripe old age of 37 and wants to play on for at least another year.

The Chelsea legend played a full 90 minutes as his club edged a step further towards the title at Loftus Road.

It was his first start in a game since February 7, and only his fourth all season, but the Ivory Coast veteran played his part in a crucial win, earned by Cesc Fabregas’ 88th-minute goal.

Didier Drogba Player Profile

I have made a decision on my future, and no, this is not my last season

Didier Drogba

Drogba only rejoined Chelsea last summer on a one-year contract after being released by Galatasary, and there have been no indications yet that a new deal will be forthcoming.

He said: “I have made a decision on my future, and no, this is not my last season.”

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho had previously hinted Drogba will finish his career at Stamford Bridge, and that there might be another role for him at the club.

He said this week: “With Didier we have to think, we have to speak, we have to know what he wants. We have a lot of talks to do. But it’s not a problem.

“I don’t know if he can play for another year. I like what he likes. There are people who, during their careers, earn the right and the power to make decisions and not wait for others to make decisions for them. What he did at this club for so many years puts him in a great position.”

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?