Jose Mourinho has insisted that Branislav Ivanovic is still Chelsea’s best right-back but admitted that the Serbian “has to improve” after a poor start to the campaign.
Ivanovic, 32, has been one of the club’s most consistent performers for several years but has made some high-profile mistakes this season.
Mourinho has made changes in recent weeks, and left-back Baba Rahman’s arrival means the Blues boss now has the option of moving Cesar Azpilicueta across to right-back.
He has nevertheless persisted with Ivanovic, making him captain after opting to drop John Terry.
“This is something I speak about with Ivanovic. He likes to speak with me and is not a prima donna,” Mourinho said.
“I am critical with him and I speak with him about what he has to try to improve.
“I have no doubts that he is my best right-back and I have no doubt that he has to improve in some aspects of his game this season. Simple as that.”
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s game against Southampton, Mourinho also confirmed he wants to bring in back-up goalkeeper and is considering signing former Italy international Marco Amelia.
This post was last modified on 03/10/2015