Saturday 7 November 2015 19:20, UK
Branislav Ivanovic has admitted that Chelsea reacted poorly to being champions, but fully expects the Blues to bounce back from their dismal start to the season.
Just six months after lifting the title in emphatic fashion, Jose Mourinho's side find themselves 15th in the Premier League, having won just 11 points from their first 11 games.
"Everyone expects us to be on top but we didn't start well," Ivanovic told Soccer Saturday. "There is always extra pressure when you are champions, and the whole team didn't react well after winning the trophy.
"In the Premier League every team is competitive and can win even against the top teams. It is why it is important to go step by step, and I hope we will be back in a good position."
Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Dynamo Kiev in midweek edged them closer to the last-16 of the Champions League, but their place in the tournament next season is in real jeopardy because of their poor domestic campaign so far.
Ivanovic, however, believes it is too soon to worry about their position come May, and insists Chelsea are only focusing on their next game against Stoke on Saturday.
"No one in the team is thinking about that (finishing top four)," he added. "We are thinking only about Stoke. The season is so long and difficult it's not the moment to think about the final position."
Ivanovic came in for some scathing criticism for his performances at the start of the season, before getting injured and missing their last six games. But the right-back is now in line for a return against Stoke on Saturday.
"I think there was a very difficult beginning to the season," he said. "But now we are playing better and I am working very hard to get my fitness back and I hope I will be on the [right] level.
"It's always better to be on the pitch, because when you look at the game from the side you feel more pressure. Everyone wants to play, especially when the moments are difficult.
"The only way to get out of this situation is to win, win and win again. Now the game coming up (against Stoke) is the most important for us this season because we have to show we are back and how strong we are."
