Branislav Ivanovic has called on Chelsea to “save the season” by overturning a two-goal deficit at Swansea in tonight’s Capital One Cup semi-final to reach next month’s final.
Chelsea go to the Liberty Stadium trailing 2-0 from the first leg and struggling for consistency under coach Rafael Benitez as they look to secure a Wembley date with Bradford, who pulled off a shock 4-3 aggregate win over Aston Villa last night.
After beginning the campaign competing for seven trophies, Chelsea have missed out on the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Community Shield. They are also 11 points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United.
Ivanovic is determined not to add the League Cup to the list and told Standard Sport: “Yes we can still save the season but we have to work hard in every game, every training session, as if it’s our last.
“We have to be strong and be ready for the challenges. This season is not over for us and we will do everything to finish it well.
“The way this campaign has gone can happen to every team but we are not in the moment to look back to say what has gone wrong. We have to look forward and try to be focused in every match.
“Swansea are the ones under pressure now. Before the first game everyone expected us to win but now it is their turn. The atmosphere will change if we get the first goal, it will make them nervous and we intend to make them worried.”
