We’ve “lost concentration” when defending: Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic

Branislav Ivanovic (R)

The London Evening Standard report that Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has said that the team needs to cut out their defensive mistakes if they are to hit a good run of form after conceding poor goals in recent fixtures.

The Blues conceded after 13 seconds against Cardiff City and have conceded six goals in their past two matches against Sunderland and Stoke.

Ivanovic struggled to explain the reason behind the defending that has seen Chelsea concede more goals already this season than they did in the entire 2004/05 season when Jose Mourinho first arrived at the club.

“As a defender, you’re always worried when you concede a goal,” Ivanovic said. “It’s always important to not concede a goal and to keep a clean sheet. This, game by game, gives confidence for defenders and gives the stability for the team.

“For us as a defence line we will do everything to not concede a goal and try to do our best. In some goals we lost concentration. We conceded a couple of goals from set-pieces as well which is not usual for us.

“We know how strong we are in that part and we just have to get back to normal. We change a lot of small things for every game depending on the opponent. All these things have to work perfectly to not concede a goal.”

Chelsea have made four defensive errors in the Premier League this season. All four have led to goals for the opposition.