Branislav Ivanovic has said that he can "understand" the reaction of Chelsea fans after they booed the team in their first game at Stamford Bridge since the departure of Jose Mourinho.
Chants for their former manager rang out throughout the 90 minutes, while underperformers Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa were booed when their names were read out over the tannoy.
Ivanovic opened the scoring against Sam Allardyce's Sunderland after just five minutes, prompting chants of "where were you when we were shit?" from the crowd.
"I can understand the frustration of the fans, it is normal," the defender told reporters after the game, which Chelsea went on to win 3-1. "We all know what Jose Mourinho was to this club and nothing can change that. It was an emotional day for all of us.
"We all have responsibility. The players put Chelsea in this position and the only way to change this position is the players. We have to be strong as a group."
New interim manager Guus Hiddink watched from the stands as the Blues picked up their first three points in four league attempts to lift them four points clear of the relegation places.
Neil Wilkes
