Ahead of a crucial match against Manchester City, Chelsea defender has questioned the team spirit of City by stating that they do not play as a team.
Manchester City will visit Chelsea later today in a clash being billed as one of the most important fixture in their hopes of securing a Champions League spot for next season. With Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal all failing to win yesterday, tonight's match represents a massive chance for either team to boost their hopes for Champions League football next season.
Nonetheless, Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has intensified the encounter by stating that Manchester City are not convincing enough because they do not play as a team.
Ahead of today’s Stamford Bridge clash Ivanovic, 27, claims the game will define the season of both clubs and said: “If you look at the Man City squad, there are a lot of world-class players but you can’t buy points.
“You have to deserve it on the pitch. I think this is the crucial game for both teams.
“You have to be a team. Football is a collective sport. We are a team and I hope we are back in the right way.”
Nonetheless, Ivanovic admitted that a defeat against City would all but end their hopes of lifting their title.
“We are still in the fight for the title and we have games with Manchester United and Spurs to come, too.
“To put it simply, if we lose then maybe the championship is all over for us.
“Recent results for Manchester United and Arsenal have put us right back in the race but we cannot afford to lose.
Fernando Torres was dropped to the bench against FC Copenhagen in midweek and many were suggesting that Ancelotti has had enough of the Spaniard. But Ivanovic believes that it's only a matter of time before Torres opens his account for Chelsea.
Ivanovic added: “His goals will come soon. We are all sure of it here. He played well in the previous round against Marseille. He is getting chances. That’s very important and the goals will come.
“Not only do we need to beat City but we also must qualify for the Champions League again because not to do so would be unthinkable.”
Nonetheless, Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has intensified the encounter by stating that Manchester City are not convincing enough because they do not play as a team.
Ahead of today’s Stamford Bridge clash Ivanovic, 27, claims the game will define the season of both clubs and said: “If you look at the Man City squad, there are a lot of world-class players but you can’t buy points.
“You have to deserve it on the pitch. I think this is the crucial game for both teams.
“You have to be a team. Football is a collective sport. We are a team and I hope we are back in the right way.”
Nonetheless, Ivanovic admitted that a defeat against City would all but end their hopes of lifting their title.
“We are still in the fight for the title and we have games with Manchester United and Spurs to come, too.
“To put it simply, if we lose then maybe the championship is all over for us.
“Recent results for Manchester United and Arsenal have put us right back in the race but we cannot afford to lose.
Fernando Torres was dropped to the bench against FC Copenhagen in midweek and many were suggesting that Ancelotti has had enough of the Spaniard. But Ivanovic believes that it's only a matter of time before Torres opens his account for Chelsea.
Ivanovic added: “His goals will come soon. We are all sure of it here. He played well in the previous round against Marseille. He is getting chances. That’s very important and the goals will come.
“Not only do we need to beat City but we also must qualify for the Champions League again because not to do so would be unthinkable.”
