Branislav Ivanovic

[Henrique 9,076]

I think Ivanovic is a decent full back (he is certainly better than Bosingwa and Ferreira), but he is not a proper right back you need in games like the one we lost to Crystal Palace, or even for a game against Stoke.

Sure he can play as a RB, but I dont like the idea Mourinho sees Ivanovic as his ideal RB. The man can't cross, and the best definition for him in terms of his attacking instincts is "attack killing machine".

[Strike 6,201]

Don't get why he's been untouchable this season. should be replaced by Azpilicueta at RB next season.

[Vybz Kartel 1,613]

I dont like the way he exposes the right side, it seems his always missing when teams attack us,

[BlueLion. 21,484]

In a game where you're going to have a lot of possession, Bran is the worst full-back to have on the pitch as he has no idea what to do with the ball. In matches against the big teams you need him for defensive solidarity. I hope José has recognised this and goes out and buys another right-back in the summer. It's clear Azpi is his left-back now, I doubt he'll ever start a game again on the right.

[dee25 1,044]

It's not like his technique is awful. It isn't.

It's just that he has absolutely no attacking instincts or flair. Like Alex said, he has no idea what to do with the ball - when to take a second touch, when to cross it first time etc. His movement is quite good but his use of the ball and just general decision making against teams like stoke is terrible.

If Mourinho is dead set on him being his 1st choice right back, that's fine but then he either brings in an offensively strong left back or replaces Ramires with a more technically proficient player. A major part of our problem this season is that we're trying to break down a 10 men defensive wall with iva on the right wing, Ramires in central midfield and Azpi on the left wing. So our attack is literally just Hazard, Oscar and Willian - occasionally Lamps might provide some good support by making runs into the box but that's not enough.

We need far more attacking variation.

[Barbara 15,149]

The thing with Ivanovic is that he's the player that gives the most of himself EVERY SINGLE MATCH. You can't look away from that when half your team (when not more) seems to play heartless. Those things make a difference. I just don't get why Mourinho doesn't try to reverse things. Let Ivanovic play in the left (he'll continue to give his blood in matches, will continue to be a good defender, and will continue to do nothing attacking) and have Azpili go to the right. I wish Mourinho did it at least once and see what happens. They're both very reliable players with a lot of commitment every single match, so why not sacrifice the least technical attacking between the two of them if reversed positions in the flank won't affect the defensive part of the game?

[Chelsea 96 24]

On this day in 2009, Bane scored his first (and second) goal for Chelsea vs l'pool.

I hope tonight will score ....

[Strike 6,201]

suspended for semifinal? i remember the graphic showing up "misses next match" not sure though

[Barbara 15,149]

suspended for semifinal? i remember the graphic showing up "misses next match" not sure though

yes, he is. The only player. We go with Luiz, Willian, Mikel and someone else with only one card away next match.

This guy is just so passionate about this club, this shirt and his job that I don't give a fuck if his crosses are terrible and he compromises our attacks way more than acceptable at this level of competitiveness and football. He makes it up. we've won two european titles and a league with this guy there. He gives his all, he's a great defender and while it'll be great to watch Azpili playing in his rightful position, we'll miss Iva, simply because to afford Azpili in the right we have to play Cole - who hasn't played a football match (except a few minutes against Stoke) in more weeks than I can count and who was already in a deep dip of form even before he's been injured. Cole was displaced by the team from a guy that was playing at the opposite side of his natural position and who's struggled to find his feet there in the first few matches. That's how bad Cole was, but let's hope he'll at least defend decently (his slowness really concerns me).

But I have a lot of respect and love for Mr. Branislav Ivanovic and I don't think we can afford him to leave (although I do think Mourinho could try to reverse him instead of Azpili next season if Luke doesn't come)

[Strike 6,201]

yes, he is. The only player. We go with Luiz, Willian, Mikel and someone else with only one card away next match.

This guy is just so passionate about this club, this shirt and his job that I don't give a fuck if his crosses are terrible and he compromises our attacks way more than acceptable at this level of competitiveness and football. He makes it up. we've won two european titles and a league with this guy there. He gives his all, he's a great defender and while it'll be great to watch Azpili playing in his rightful position, we'll miss Iva, simply because to afford Azpili in the right we have to play Cole - who hasn't played a football match (except a few minutes against Stoke) in more weeks than I can count and who was already in a deep dip of form even before he's been injured. Cole was displaced by the team from a guy that was playing at the opposite side of his natural position and who's struggled to find his feet there in the first few matches. That's how bad Cole was, but let's hope he'll at least defend decently (his slowness really concerns me).

But I have a lot of respect and love for Mr. Branislav Ivanovic and I don't think we can afford him to leave (although I do think Mourinho could try to reverse him instead of Azpili next season if Luke doesn't come)

Cole played for England. was decent but yeah, a disturbed back four is not really a good thing, Luiz needs to be careful the next game. Not get yellowed for the 2nd leg

[Vybz Kartel 1,613]

I thought they wiped the yellow cards after the quarter finals??

[CHOULO19 24,332]

yes, he is. The only player. We go with Luiz, Willian, Mikel and someone else with only one card away next match.

Frank.

[duo11bluecl 207]

Frank.

In a game against Atletico he would likely be a passage anyway, intensity would be too high for him to handle so don't think we will miss him

[iseah100 5,612]

Why do people insult him so much? He's scored some of the most timely goals for us. How soon you all forget.

[The Chels 2,502]

The cross towards the end that bounced awkwardly in front of Cech and really could have gone anywhere... Why did Ivanovic once again refuse to close down the player crossing? He gives wingers and full backs so much time to pick their cross it's ridiculous.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Put in a couple of good crosses yesterday!

Thought I was dreaming at first..

[Strike 6,201]

garbage today. and not just in attack

[Henrique 9,076]

Easily the most frustrating player of the season, because he keeps playing game after game, game after game, and he kills our attacking opportunities game after game, game after game.

I also get the feeling Mourinho believe Ivanovic IS his ideal RB, which is even more frustrating.

[duo11bluecl 207]

Easily the most frustrating player of the season, because he keeps playing game after game, game after game, and he kills our attacking opportunities game after game, game after game.

I also get the feeling Mourinho believe Ivanovic IS his ideal RB, which is even more frustrating.

What is worse he might be the reason we are gonna miss out on Shaw too. I actually hope PSG come in and bid 20m for him so we could sell

[The Chels 2,502]

Ivanovic loves a dive, doesn't he?!