Following Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, Branislav Ivanovic has insisted that it is too early to write off the Champions chances of retaining their trophy.
The Blues were well beaten by City, and find themselves five points behind Manuel Pellegrini’s side just two games into the season. Although the start is far from ideal, the right-back is far from concerned with 36 games left to play.
Ivanovic told Sky Sports: “It was a very difficult game for us but we can come back. This is the Premier League. Every game is another final so we have to look forward”.
Chelsea faced a troubled build up to last Sunday’s fixture, following the tension surrounding Jose Mourinho’s row with his medical staff, and all the headlines following the situation. As distracting as it may have been, the players can’t make too many excuses for their poor performances, which led to Mourinho’s joint worst Premier League defeat as a manager.
Ivanovic, who played 45 minutes as captain after John Terry was substituted at half- time, concedes that the team can no longer revel in last year’s success. “We know that this is another year. Last year we won the title and we play with extra pressure now and we have to adapt to that,” said the veteran defender.
“We have to forget last season and start thinking about the points this season.”
Ivanovic came under perhaps the most criticism following Sunday’s defeat. After Chelsea’s weaknesses down the right flank were exploited to perfection by a superior City side. Consequently, he more than most will be hoping the blues really do have enough time to turn their season around, and that starts next Sunday against West Brom.
