Petr Cech has backed Alexis Sanchez to win over his doubters.

Alexis received a mixed reception when he took to the field against Bournemouth last Saturday. While a good number of fans were happy to see him back, there were several who booed him onto the pitch.

The reaction comes as a result of Alexis’ botched move to Manchester City. Some fans have doubts about his commitment to the club and whether he’ll perform. Petr Cech, though, doesn’t have those doubts.

“I spoke with Alexis and he wants to win,” he said, reports the Evening Standard. “Sometimes people say ‘he does this, he does that’ but I think in a way, he is a guy who plays with all his passion and all his heart.

“You could see he knew he came late and the manager opted not to risk and put him on the bench. When we needed him to come on, he came on and put a shift in. That is exactly what we expect and what we want.”

If the bare minimum for players was to give their all for the club, then it wouldn’t be difficult for Alexis to get the fans back onside. All he has to do is put the transfer window out of his mind and work hard on the pitch.

If his performances reach the level of last season, then even better. Alexis didn’t have a pre-season and has very little football this campaign so far. While many will read into him being on the bench, he’s currently building-up match fitness.

To that end, it’s possible that he’ll feature in some capacity against Koln on Thursday.