Branislav Ivanovic: 'I prefer clean sheets to goals'

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has revealed that he is keen to see the Blues improve the defensive side of their game.

Ivanovic has contributed to Chelsea's impressive streak in front of goal by netting twice in four games but ahead of their Champions League fixture with Schalke 04, the Serbian international has insisted that he would rather keep a clean sheet than add to his goalscoring tally.

The 30-year-old told reporters: "I just try to do my best. I've started the season with a couple of goals but as a defender, that's not so important.

"The defensive and organisational side is more important and we can improve. It's good for the confidence of a defender when you score a goal but I like it when we don't concede."

Despite topping the Premier League table, Chelsea have kept just one clean sheet during the opening month of the campaign.