Cech has found himself confined to the sidelines this season after falling behind Courtois, having spent nearly a decade as Chelsea’s first-choice shot-stopper.
This has led to speculation that the 32-year-old will leave Stamford Bridge, a decision that Courtois says he would understand.
“As a goalkeeper you want to play,” he told Sky Sports.
“If I was in that situation where I didn’t play a lot, then I would leave too.
“I think Petr is still a goalkeeper with a lot of quality and one of the best there is.”
The current campaign is Courtois’ first at Chelsea since his arrival at the club from Genk in 2011, with the Belgium international having spent the past three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid.