Ivanovic targets Blues place

[Milan 17,838]

Branislav Ivanovic believes he is better than Ricardo Carvalho and Alex and should be playing regularly for Chelsea.

The Serbian defender joined the Blues from Lokomotiv Moscow in a big-money move in the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old did not feature at all last season as Chelsea challenged for domestic and European glory but he has now warned his team-mates he is ready to fight for a place in the side.

Ivanovic cannot understand why he was not given any opportunities by Avram Grant as he has boldly claimed that he has more to offer than some of Chelsea's more established centre-backs.

He reckons he should be ahead of both Carvalho and Alex in the defensive pecking order and admits he will not be happy if he continues to be overlooked.

Ivanovic hopes that if he does not figure in the plans of new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, he may be able to secure a loan switch to Juventus.

"I am better than Alex and Ricardo Carvalho - I am in my prime and I want to play," Ivanovic told The Sun.

"Chelsea paid Ł9million for me but nobody has told me so far why I did not make a debut for them.

"I am optimistic that the least Chelsea will do is loan me to Juventus."

SkySports

[BlueLion. 21,491]

For a guy who can barely speak English, its great he's giving interviews to the Sun.

[EskWeston 696]

For a guy who can barely speak English, its great he's giving interviews to the Sun.

Lol, yes you always have to be weary of supposed interviews like this. It seems strange that Ivanovic has forgotten all about the injury he suffered from and also the lack of fitness he had when he came to us.....

[bombayblue™ 55]

i like arrogance in my players

[EskWeston 696]

i like arrogance in my players

Yeah, but not stupidity! Better than Alex and Carvlaho???

[.Cee 50]

Twisting what he actually said would be more like it...

[EskWeston 696]

Twisting what he actually said would be more like it...

That is more than likely the case. I am sure that once the season has started Ivanovic will be a member of the squad properly and will get his games. He looked a good player in his reserve outings and it will be good to finally see what he can do at the top level. I am sure that he will be an improvement on Ben Haim.

[terry26 6]

lol i mean really for him to speak so nicely to the Sun newspaper LOL

but i like bold statements and if he wants the place and is willing to fight for it then we need more players with that attitude

[Kez 2,727]

Don't believe they would of been his EXACT words

[terry26 6]

i know that just saying i like the attitude

[Kez 2,727]

Well if he reckons he can win his place off carvalho and Alex then he must believe alot in himself.

That cant be a bad thing

[EskWeston 696]

Well if he reckons he can win his place off carvalho and Alex then he must believe alot in himself.

That cant be a bad thing

Lets hope he can prove that! He is still fairly young and hopefully he can come in and do a very good job for us. He will be working hard in pre season to impress, with 5 centre backs currently on board at least 1 will have to go....

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Lets hope he can prove that! He is still fairly young and hopefully he can come in and do a very good job for us. He will be working hard in pre season to impress, with 5 centre backs currently on board at least 1 will have to go....

Ben Haim

[warnie_666 1,081]

To ssay he is better than Alex, is fine but to say that he is better than Carvalho who is according to many the BEST CB of CFC ( ie. better than terry), is utter foolishness.

[EskWeston 696]

Ben Haim

Well lets keep our fingers crossed!!! Been no mention of Transfer talk for him yet!!!

Don't forget also that Mancienne and Alcides may well be looking at the 4th spot too. No mention anywhere if Mancienne or Alcides are involved with the training at the moment....

[EskWeston 696]

Well lets keep our fingers crossed!!! Been no mention of Transfer talk for him yet!!!

Don't forget also that Mancienne and Alcides may well be looking at the 4th spot too. No mention anywhere if Mancienne or Alcides are involved with the training at the moment....

Actually, forget that. Just seen a training pic and Mancienne IS training with the first team. So is Franco Di Santo....

Good news there..

[.Cee 50]

Actually, forget that. Just seen a training pic and Mancienne IS training with the first team. So is Franco Di Santo....

Good news there..

Was Sinclair training with the 1st team a while ago, too? :unsure:

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Can only be good that we can hopefully see some of the youth players finally getting a break in the side.

Mancienne especially has been on loan quite a few seasons now, if he can establish himself within the squad we could well see the emergence of another John Terry.