Ivanovic: We reacted poorly to being Champions

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Branislav Ivanovic has been speaking about Chelsea’s start to the season and admits they reacted poorly.

Ivanovic is set to return to the squad for today’s game against Stoke with Jose Mourinho confirming the defender was fit, after picking up an injury on international duty for Serbia.

Ivanovic has missed Chelsea’s last six games, the Blues have kept just two clean sheets during those games.

Ivanovic said:

Everyone expects us to be on top but we didn’t start well. In the Premier League every team is competitive and can win even against the top teams. It is why it is important to go step by step, and I hope we will be back in a good position.

The right-back endured a torrid start to the season at Chelsea and divided opinions between Chelsea fans. In his absence, Kurt Zouma has been filling in at right-back with Baba Rahman’s chances at left-back being limited.

Ivanovic goes on to admit that none of the players are beginning to worry about where they will finish on the Premier League table, claiming, they’re taking it one game at a time.

The defender went on to say:

No one in the team is thinking about that (finishing top four). We are thinking only about Stoke. The season is so long and difficult it’s not the moment to think about the final position.

Ivanovic believes Chelsea are on the right road to recovery, after a poor start to the season, he and Chelsea, are out to impress:

But now we are playing better and I am working very hard to get my fitness back and I hope I will be on the [right] level. The only way to get out of this situation is to win, win and win again. Now the game coming up (against Stoke) is the most important for us this season because we have to show we are back and how strong we are.