Pre-season for Chelsea saw the elevation of Branislav Ivanovic to the club’s new vice-captain position. Ahead of the New York game, the Serbian national skipper was informed that he would deputise for John Terry.
This is a role undertaken for many years at the club by the legendary Frank Lampard who has since left for the MLS. With other seniors Didier Drogba and Petr Cech also leaving the club, Ivanonic has become a natural choice.
It is a testimony to the longevity and influence of the player at Stamford Bridge. Having joined the club from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008 for £9 million, the influential defender became a vital player for the Blues.
As expected, Ivanovic is honoured with the new role and spoke recently to the official Chelsea website.
I am really so happy, I am very proud of that, to be the vice-captain of this team. This is something extra for me, more responsibility, and I will try to do it well for the team.
The Serbian is already an important player in Jose Mourinho’s scheme of things. His constant presence at the back four is a notable feature of last season win. And then, there are his runs down the flank helping the forwards. In fact, he was bettered only by Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard last season in creating assists.
Ivanovic acknowledges that John Terry is the real captain and leader of the team.
I am doing what I was doing before, trying to do my best. I will try to do that in the future as well but basically not a lot of things change. John Terry is the real captain and leader.
However, the team would be well served if the lanky defender can continue to do well like he did the entire last season. The feeling in the club is that Terry is closer to retirement than ever; though his performances keep telling otherwise.
In this context, Ivanovic becoming the vice-captain bodes well for him and the club. Mourinho loves having multiple leaders on the pitch having reiterated the point many times. Ivanovic already has skippered his national time for the past three years. Additional responsibility seems to get the best out of him and so this elevation should be good news for the club supporters.
Last year was a great year for me, maybe one of the best, and when you do this, you always have to set new targets to break, and go one step better than last year.
When the Champions of England line up for their first match of the season against Swansea City – a game for which you can find the tickets here – Terry will surely be on the teamsheet. Chelsea supporters will be hoping that scenario continues for some time.
