No way Jose! Branislav Ivanovic tells crocked Bosingwa:
I'm Chelsea's first-choice right-back!
Branislav Ivanovic has set his sights firmly on becoming a
permanent fixture in the Chelsea defence.
The Blues, who were knocked off the top of the Barclays Premier
League on goal difference by Arsenal in midweek, head to Coca-Cola
Championship side Preston in the fourth round of the FA Cup on
Saturday.
Serbia international Ivanovic has impressed after initially
filling in for injured Jose Bosingwa at right-back, and chalked up
his 50th appearance in the win over Sunderland.
Half-century: Ivanovic wants to make the Chelsea
right back position his own
The 25-year-old intends to make the most of his opportunity. He
told the club's official website, www.chelseafc.com: 'For me the long
period in the last two years was when I arrived here and there were
problems. After that I started to play and at the moment I feel
very comfortable and happy.
'When I started to play I was very happy because I play with
great players in a great team and now I start to give my best.
Injury: Chelsea full-back Bosingwa
'I didn't count my games but of course it is good for me to play
50. I tried to improve in these games and that I have played 50
games surprised me a little bit.
'Now I try to come to 100 games as soon as possible, quicker
than to 50.'
Ivanovic, though, is not taking anything for granted and intends
to continue his progress as the Blues look to defend the FA
Cup.
'I think I improved my language when I started to play,' said
Ivanovic, who can also play at centre-half.
'It was very hard for me when I arrived and I didn't speak
easily. At the moment I think I can speak and I understand a lot of
things, but I have to learn more.It is important for every player
to feel comfortable.
'We have a good atmosphere and you can improve with these
guys.'
Midfielder Frank Lampard, meanwhile, insists Chelsea will thrive
on the challenges ahead as they battle for honours at home and in
Europe.
He said: 'A very important period is coming up. The Champions
League is starting again, then there will be the Easter period,
which is always big, and the run-in is always tight.
Up for the battle: Frank Lampard says Chelsea will
thrive under pressure
'Some teams thrive on that pressure and others not, so we have
to make sure we keep going for the full run.
Lampard added: 'We believe in ourselves, we have the right
attitude and if we continue to play as we did against Sunderland
then we have a very good chance of winning the League.
'Beating the top teams is what has kept us at the top this
season but we must keep beating the mid-table teams too.'
Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has returned to England from the
African Nations Cup after injuring his knee during training, with
the extent of the problem set to be evaluated by Chelsea's medical
staff.