Branislav Ivanovic urges Chelsea fans to continue support ahead of Newcastle United clash
The Chelsea right-back cum centre-back Branislav Ivanovic urged the Blues fans to continue supporting the team despite their extremely disappointing season. The 27-year-old insisted the London side would come back stronger next season, after finishing trophy
less this season.
After winning the double last season, the Blues got off to a strong start this season. Unfortunately, they suffered a terrible slump, their worst in 15 years, after which they didn’t quite recover and failed to retain their silverware.
After being knocked out of the Carling Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League competitions, the Blues did make a late title challenge. However, they were unable to defeat Manchester United at Old Trafford in the third last game of the season, which would
have put them top of the table again.
The Blues are currently at second place, six points behind Manchester United, who look set to claim their 19th league title. They now face competition for the second spot from third place London rivals Arsenal, who are just three points behind.
The Serbia international spoke ahead of the clash against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, the last home game of the campaign. He pleaded with his side to put in a spectacular performance, more for the fans than anyone else.
Ivanovic said while speaking to reporters, “We have to say 'thank you' with this game to our fans because they deserve it. It is a difficult moment when you know you don't have any chance but it is important that we are strong and ready for this game.”
While their spot at second place is also at stake going into the game against the Magpies, Ivanovic said he felt the squad owed it to the supporters to win their remaining fixtures. The Chelsea defender insisted the upcoming game was very important for a
second place finish.
He continued, “We are not expecting an easy game because Newcastle will want to show they are a good team and please their fans, so we have to be ready 100%. I think our fans deserve to have a good game from us. It's very important we finish as high as we
can, which looks like it will be second.”
Chelsea will have a tough fixture today as they welcome Newcastle to Stamford Bridge, with the Magpies having gotten the better of Chelsea in the previous fixtures. It was an unexpectedly strong Newcastle side that eliminated Chelsea from the Carling Cup
competition early on in the season.
They then went on to draw 1-1 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues losing out on two valuable points. Chelsea will not be taking 11th place Newcastle lightly, with an aim to win the remaining two fixtures to secure second place on the
table this season.