Chelsea star makes shock claim: I'm happy to sit on the bench
Posted Wednesday, October 05, 2016 by Express.co.uk
Branislav Ivanovic has admitted he doesn't mind being benched by Antonio Conte
Ivanovic has been a pivotal member of the Blues' squad this season, playing the full 90 minutes in six of their seven Premier League games.
However, the Serbia international was dropped for last weekend's 2-0 win over Hull as Conte switched to a five-at-the-back system.
And the 32-year-old has admitted he's not bothered by being on the sidelines as long as it benefits the team as a whole.
"I was maximum ready and healthy for the match with Hull, but I never got the chance," Ivanovic said.
"I'll always put myself below the interests of the team, be that the national side or club.
"It's been a while since I was a back-up, but I do not mind. I'll sit on the bench whenever the coach decides, and not for the first time in these eight years at Chelsea.
"It is normal to be on the bench, especially in clubs that over and over again are going a step further."
Ivanovic joined Chelsea in 2008 from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow and has since made 368 appearances in all competitions, scoring 33 goals.
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