Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic believes that the recent controversy surrounding the London club could benefit the side in the long run.

The current Premier League leaders have been in the headlines for matters off the pitch in recent weeks after skipper John Terry was banned for four matches by the Football Association for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, while Ashley Cole sparked controversy after criticising the governing body last week.

"Maybe the extra pressure keeps you more concentrated and focused," said Ivanovic. "Maybe it's positive when you have to think like that.

"The most important thing is the position of the club. It's great at the moment and I hope we're going to stay there. Maybe this way, this is what the people will have to say about Chelsea, about how we play and this kind of thing, which is what we deserve."

The Blues squad are top of the table after seven games played, four points clear of the Manchester clubs.