The Serbian is preparing to commence his ninth campaign as a Chelsea player and experience tells him how pivotal the first few games can be. He recalls the impact of our slow start this time last year and it is quickly apparent, as he sits down with the official Chelsea website at Cobham, that he and his teammates are determined for things to be different now.

‘For our confidence psychologically it’s very important to start the season well,’ he stresses.

‘If you can get points early you can then prepare with great spirit for the next game. The first couple of games are so important.

‘We started with big enthusiasm for the new season because we changed the manager. There were a lot of new things at the beginning of pre-season, we have worked very hard to adapt and I think we are improving every session.

‘There have been new things which we haven’t done a lot of before in previous years. With these small details and with these different training methods we can improve. A lot of things will change but I hope most of all altogether we can change the results from last season.

‘We are ready for the challenge and for the first game which will be very difficult.’

Ivanovic’s own pre-season was interrupted by injury, but the vice-captain says his dislocated shoulder has fully recovered and he is raring to go on Monday night.