CHELSEA READY TO FIGHT

The Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has said that the current Premier league champions Manchester City will have a strong fight on their hands if they are to retain the title. He has also said that it will certainly not be easy for the Manchester club to once again lift the title.

Manchester city manager to lift the first Premier league title for the first time in 44 years. It is expected that they will now be targeting to conquer Europe. Chelsea were very much similar to Manchester City almost a decade ago after they had just won the league title after a gap of 50 years.

Branislav Ivanovic recently won the Champions League title with Chelsea. He has also been the recipient of the Premier league title within the club two seasons ago. He has said that he wants to lift the Premier League title once again, while also looking to do well in the European competition. As a result, Manchester City will not be having an easy route to the title. Chelsea have spent a lot of money in revamping the squad. Five attacking players have arrived at the club in the summer transfer window for a total cost of £ 60 million.

"Manchester United are always the first favourite when you look at the league. They are always there. City won last year and they will have the motivation to do it again. But the other teams like us are trying to build something new. It's going to be very tough for City. It was the same with us. When you win the league all the other teams, whether they are big or small, they fight and have extra motivation against you," said Ivanovic, who was linked with a move to Real Madrid only a few weeks ago.