Ivanovic is in the last year of his contract with the Stamford Bridge club

The Serb said he will 'always put myself below the interests of the team'

Ivanovic accepted Antonio Conte's decision to drop him at the weekend

Branislav Ivanovic has come to terms with Antonio Conte's decision to drop him from Chelsea's first team and does not mind sitting on the bench.

Ivanovic has been a mainstay in Chelsea's defence since the turn of the decade but has received criticism for his performances in recent months, with many fans eager to see the 32-year-old lose his starting spot at Stamford Bridge.

The Serb spent a lot of his early Chelsea career on the sidelines - he made his first appearance for the club a whole eight months after he joined from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008 - but he is willing to put himself 'below the interests of the team' if it means Conte's men will be successful.

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is prepared for a spell on the sidelines at Stamford Bridge

Antonio Conte dropped Ivanovic for his side's 2-0 victory over Hull on Saturday

The Serbian defender (right) has come in for criticism regarding his performances this season

'I was maximum ready and healthy for the match with Hull, but I never got the chance,' Ivanovic told Serbian outlet Blic.

'I'll always put myself below the interests of the team, be that national side or club.

'When the team is successful and when they win, it's quickly forgotten when you make mistakes. It's been a while since I was a back-up, but I do not mind. I'll sit on the bench whenever the coach decides, and not for the first time in these eight years at Chelsea.'

Conte knows his side cannot afford any more slip-ups if they want to win the title. Chelsea are seventh in the table on 13 points, five behind early season pace-setters Manchester City.

The Serbian thinks Chelsea's season can still be a success despite a couple of early stutters

IVANOVIC'S CHELSEA HONOURS Premier League: 2009–10, 2014–15 FA Cup: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12 League Cup: 2014–15 Community Shield: 2009 Champions League: 2011–12 Europa League: 2012–13 Advertisement

Ivanovic, who is in the last year of his contract with Chelsea, is aware that his team could have made a better start to the new campaign but still believes there will be 'something to look forward to at the end of the season.'

'Two seasons ago we won the championship, and last season was very difficult for all at Chelsea, toughest season in the last decade.' Ivanovic added.

'It's a challenge for us to get back on track. We started correctly, but it could have been much better.