Branislav Ivanovic has urged his Chelsea team-mates to push right to the end in their marathon season.
The Stamford Bridge outfit face their 65th game of the campaign against newly crowned champions Manchester United on Sunday and some of their squad are bound to be feeling heavy-legged as the season draws to a close.
However, Rafael Benitez’s men still have everything to play for as they battle to secure UEFA Champions League qualification for 2013-14 and win some silverware in the form of the UEFA Europa League when they face Benfica in the final in Amsterdam on May 15.
With this in mind, the Serbia international has told Chelsea’s official website there can be no let up as they prepare for another vital week, which starts at Old Trafford and also includes clashes with top-four rivals Tottenham and relegation-threatened Aston Villa.
“Our performances are getting better with every game, we now have three difficult matches coming up before the final,” the defender said.
“We have to get points from the next two games to secure it (Champions League qualification), and then it will be much easier to prepare for the final.”
Ivanovic went on to explain that 2012-13 – which will end with Chelsea having played 69 games – has been a huge physical challenge.
“This kind of season feels like three rolled into one,” the 29-year-old added.
“It’s been really difficult but we knew that before the season started, although I can’t really remember it because when you look back it seems so far away.”
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.