Every good thing must come to an end. Chelsea’s romance with John Terry is surely coming to a rather bitter end this season but another defender could be in line to get chopped off from the team.
Branislav Ivanovic was one of the best defenders when Jose Mourinho won the league last season but that is far from the reality that has hit the club this time around as they languish in mid-table with no real chance of making it into the Champions League.
Chelsea hasn’t been good in attack, midfield or defence and there had to be consequences. Antonio Conte is coming into the club next season and is expected to make a whole host of changes.
Chelsea would have to give the Italian a truckload of money if they are to challenge for the title and this could mean the end of Ivanovic at the club or would it?
A wealth of experience for the team
Antonio Conte would need someone in the team who knows the ins and outs of the club. There is nothing better than having people who know the club and how things happen, Ivanovic has spent a considerable amount of time at Chelsea and he could be someone who revels under the tutelage of the Italian.
Branislav hasn’t been the best defender this season for Chelsea and has often been found out in the right-back slot. Conte could well use him as a centre-back but apart from that, the 32-year-old has a number of games under his belt and that experience would be worth its weight in gold for Chelsea and Conte.
While there is talk about the good from the Serbian, there have been a number of mistakes from Ivanovic this season as well. He has looked out of touch in defence and more often than not, he has been culpable for many goals and a gave away few penalties as well.
Ivanovic though is a robust defender and knows how to position himself well. It is a bit of a mystery as to why he is not played more often in the heart of the defence where he could revel. The 32-year-old was a centre-back when he was signed at the start of his Chelsea career and now with all his pace going down the drain, this could be the perfect time for him to try his luck in that position.
Chelsea don’t really have anything to lose as they do not have many right-backs with Cesar Azpilicueta the best choice for this role. The likes of Baba Rahman and Kenedy could play in that role but they aren’t up to that standard which would make them automatic first team choices in any top Premier League club.
Ivanovic might have had an extremely poor season but calling him surplus to requirements. He could be reinvented under a new coach and with a defensive minded manager in Antonio Conte coming into the side, this could be a new lease of life for the Serbian who certainly could use a shot in the arm.