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Branislav Ivanovic: Chelsea players must put personal issues aside for the good of the team
The Serbia international feels that Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole should not make a fuss about being left on the bench as the Blues seek to arrest a poor run of form
Feb 23, 2012 2:00:00 AM
By George Ankers
Getty Images
Branislav Ivanovic believes that Chelsea players must put any personal concerns to one side if they are to properly focus and unite around manager Andre Villas-Boas.
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The Blues suffered a 3-1 loss to Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 match, with Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole reportedly complaining to the coach about being dropped to the bench.
Ivanovic, when asked by reporters if the squad should prioritise the team over individual issues, said: “Yes. This is one of the most important moments and we all know that.
“We have to be together with each other and it can help us pass this moment.
“These things are always coming out when you're losing. What we can all do together is still believe and try to do the right things.
“I don't know what the manager is saying, but it is more about what is happening with Chelsea. That is more important than the relationship between the manager and players.
“The manager is doing his job by deciding who plays and we, as players, have to do our job.”
The Serbia international insisted that the Blues must avoid conceding a goal at all costs if they are to progress in the Champions League when Napoli visit for the second leg.
“We can't concede a goal at Stamford Bridge which will kill our confidence,” he observed.
“This is the hardest moment of my four years here. We haven't won a lot of games and our confidence is not in the best way.
“We must do all we can to do well, we must keep going and be positive. This is the way to pass this critical period.
“If everybody works right, I think we can get a reward for our hard work.” Tuesday’s loss is yet another black mark on Villas-Boas' record at the west London club, with questions continuing to be asked regarding his long-term future at the helm, but the defender refused to speculate on his manager.
“I can't say who will stay,” Ivanovic continued.
“For us, we have to be more focused on our jobs. We don't have to care about these things. I think it's a hard position, very difficult.
“For us, it's very important to stay together. Our team, our squad is not doing what is expected of us. This is a fact.”
Ivanovic also admitted that the absence of John Terry for six to eight weeks with a knee injury is a big blow to the Chelsea back line.
“John Terry is one of the most important players for our team. This is a fact,” he declared.
“He is captain of our club and I would like to see him come back soon, but if he is not able to play, we have to be strong and do everything to not make it feel like he is not here.”
David Luiz and Gary Cahill were fielded at centre-back at the Stadio San Paolo and the Serb argued that the two have not yet had time to develop an understanding.
“David and Gary are quite new to the team. They were playing only their third game together so they need time but they can be very good defensively,” said the 28-year-old.
“When we were winning games and doing everything right, all the team were defending and attacking well.
“If we start thinking defenders are for defending and attackers are for scoring, it won't give us good results.”
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