Ivanović on Chelsea v Real Madrid: There are no friendlies in football

Branislav Ivanović has signalled Chelsea’s intent ahead of their pre-season clash with Real Madrid by declaring: “there are no friendlies in football”.

The Blues take on Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the final of the Guinness International Champions Cup on Wednesday in Miami as they continue their preparations for the new campaign.

But Ivanović, who played under former Blues boss Ancelotti during the Italian’s reign at Stamford Bridge between 2009 and 2011, insists the west Londoners will go all out for a victory.

“At the moment there are a lot of connections between the clubs, so it will be a very interesting match, but in football there are no friendly matches,” Ivanović told Chelsea’s website “It will be a big test for us ahead of the new season.

“We want to start the season full of motivation and we need to stay at a high level. There are always areas in which you can improve, but at the moment we are looking good.”

Chelsea have so far won all of their pre-season games under new boss Jose Mourinho since his return to the club back in June, conceding just two goals in five games.