Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has admitted that the Blues cannot afford a slow start to the new Premier League season.

The London outfit finished third in the table last season, but the return of manager Jose Mourinho has raised expectations at the club.

"It's very important for us psychologically to start the season well," Ivanovic told reporters at a press conference in Jakarta.

"I think it can give us extra confidence and after that we can play game by game. The season is very long. We have to be ready for every challenge."

Chelsea are currently in Asia on their pre-season tour.

Written by
Matt Law