In October 2006, John Terry filled in as the goalkeeper for Chelsea during a match against Reading due to injuries suffered by Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini. This situation was not spontaneous; Terry had expressed his readiness to take on the role if needed. Jose Mourinho had previously prepared the team for such an event, fostering a culture of readiness. Terry noted his nervousness at the time, acknowledging the challenge posed by a physically strong Reading side, but he was equipped with training and personal goalkeeper gloves for the unexpected scenario.
"I was really nervous! It followed on from a really bad injury to Petr Cech, then Carlo Cudicini got knocked unconscious. Reading were a big, physical side, so it was going to be a massive test for any outfielder going in goal."
"Jose asked us early on in his Chelsea days, 'If anything ever happens to both of my goalkeepers and we don't have any subs, who will step up?' I told him I'd do it."
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