Ivanovic: Chelsea will not crumble under critics

Branislav Ivanovic admits he has been hurt by the scathing criticism aimed both at himself personally and the entire Chelsea team following their performances in the last fortnight.

An EFL Cup victory over Leicester City was not enough to distract from the Blues’ poor Premier League form, with just one point taken from their last three league clashes against Swansea, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

Ivanovic, captaining the side in the absence of John Terry, was exposed by the Gunners on Saturday as Antonio Conte’s Chelsea were routed 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

But the Serb insists the side are still reading from the same hymn sheet and will not let their critics distract them from perfecting Conte’s new style of football at Stamford Bridge.

“It’s very disappointing and it hurts all of us, but the opinion of everyone in the dressing room was in the same direction,” he said.

“We have to build on that, stay together, work hard, and believe in what we are doing. I am sure we can come out of it stronger. We have to stick together.

“Nothing in life or in football comes easy, you always go up and down, but we know when you’re in a difficult position you have to work hard and prepare for the next game. I hope we are mentally ready for the challenge.

“In this league every game is a different story, but it doesn’t mean you have to change your philosophy if you win or lose a game.

“We have worked very hard on different ways [of playing]. Our way of playing has changed a bit and you always need time. In the last two games it has not been the usual Chelsea way, but if it starts working it will be very good for us. We will be very, very dangerous.

“We have to believe in what we are doing and the results of that will come.”