Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic. Picture: Nick Potts/PA Wire

Branislav Ivanovic downplayed the importance of the traditional curtain raiser

Chelsea star Branislav Ivanovic believes that the Blues’s season season will be in tatters if they lose to Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.

The traditional curtain raiser has been seen as a game that allows both sides to ease their way into the season and while the Serb wants to win it, it is not the be all and end all of the Blues’ season.

“It’s important not to put too much on the result of this game and that’s why we have to go into it understanding this,” explained Ivanovic.

“Last season we started very well, but after that we didn’t play to the level expected of us. So we have to remember this is only one game but, for sure, we will fight for the trophy and both teams will want to win it because it can give you extra confidence for the start of the new season.”