MX23RW : Thursday, December 19 18:00:40| >> :120:72733:72733:

Branislav Ivanovic urges defensive improvement

Ivanovic urges defensive improvement
© PA Photos
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic urges his teammates to defend better following Wednesday's draw with Juventus in the Champions League.

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has told his teammates that they must defend better following Wednesday's draw with Juventus in the Champions League.

The holders had a 2-0 lead at Stamford Bridge thanks to a brace from debutant Oscar, but the Italian champions fought back to earn a point in their opening group game.

"We started well against Juventus but after that it was too easy for them," Ivanovic told the Evening Standard. "We can improve 50% more on this performance.

"We are playing differently this year, with more emphasis on attacking, but everyone also has to be focused on defending and being organised. This is what helped us get good results last year.

"It's all about our concentration and motivation. We have to think that every situation is dangerous and cover well. It's more of a mental situation because our training is hard enough to prepare for a big game. Mentally we have to do more."

Chelsea continue their Premier League campaign on Saturday when they host Stoke City.

ID:46144: cacheID:46144:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1908:
Written by
Jack Prescott
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Branislav Ivanovic
Read Next:
Ivanovic: 'Boos won't affect Terry'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!