Branislav Ivanovic claims there is more to come from Chelsea

The Blues have been inconsistent so far this season

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Branislav Ivanovic expects Chelsea to improve following the international break.

The Blues have shown glimpses of their potential and also fallen short at times - such as in the defeats to Everton and Basle - and Ivanovic knows boss Jose Mourinho demands high standards.

Serbia defender Ivanovic told chelseafc.com: "There's still a lot of hard work to do. We've played some good games; we've had some defeats, too.

"The team and our performances can improve, we can do better and I think we'll do it after this international break."

When club action resumes, Chelsea, who are third in the Barclays Premier League, play seven games in 21 days, beginning with Cardiff, Schalke and Manchester City.

Ivanovic spent much of last season at centre-back, but is considered a right-back by Mourinho and has featured on the flank in all but one of Chelsea's games this season, missing the Capital One Cup win at Swindon.

The 29-year-old is comfortable in either position.

"All my career I've moved inside and outside," he said.

"I'm really happy because it's good for me that I can play both positions. I always try to do my best wherever I play.

"In the end I'm happy because I like to defend, and I'm really enjoying defending in this team."

Ivanovic uses the full-back on the opposite flank as a reference point.

He added: "For me Ashley (Cole) is the best left-back in the world in the last 10 years. It's a real pleasure to work with him.

"Sometimes it's difficult to learn from him because he's doing everything naturally. There are not a lot of things you can do and be like him.

"For me he always helps as a good reference. When you have him opposite you on the pitch you have to work hard to synchronise with him and we try to do that."

PA