Players Would Love to Play under Carlo Ancelotti, Claims Branislav Ivanovic

Former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic believes that his former teammates would now prefer to play alongside Carlo Ancelotti rather than under Jose Mourinho.

In fact, the Serbian has even gone to suggest that Ancelotti will be the preferred choice of players wherever he goes. The glowing praise comes from a player who has played under some of the top managers in world football. Even which has played under the likes of Luis Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink, Ancelotti, Antonio Conte, and Jose Mourinho in his almost decade long time at Stamford Bridge. Even which has recently brought his time at Stamford Bridge to an end after securing a move to Zenit St Petersburg.

The lack of first-team opportunities under Jose Mourinho last season was compounded by current boss Antonio Conte not using Ivanovic on a regular basis. An extremely versatile player, Ivanovic has represented Chelsea across the back three. He was instrumental part in the club’s success during the Champions League 2012.

Even though he did not play in the final of the competition, it was his goals against Napoli that brought about a major comeback from the team. Ivanovic also won every major domestic and European honour like the Europa league, Premier league, FA Cup, and the League Cup during his time in West London.

"Training was unique under Mourinho.He sometimes plays mind games with the press, but when it comes to the most important things, the matches themselves, he is always very serious. If you want to play for Mourinho, you have to follow his demands.Mourinho helps to develop the best qualities -- professional and personal. You can't be indifferent to him. You either love him or hate him. That's what makes him special. I am glad that I had a chance to work with him,” said Ivanovic.