Branislav Ivanovic urges Chelsea to 'wake up' from slow start

It's no stretch to say that reigning English Premier League champions Chelsea have looked like a pale imitation of themselves this year.

The Blues have endured an awful start to the 2015-16 season, sitting near the bottom of the table after five games with just one win, while also drawing one and losing three. Chelsea dropped another three points in Saturday's 3-1 loss to Everton, and manager Jose Mourinho isn't happy.

For right full-back Branislav Ivanovic, the solution to Chelsea's woes is a simple one.

"We need one big win to come back to our way," Ivanovic told reporters. "We are not playing as badly as the results are showing but we have to wake up."

Ivanovic is one of a core group of Chelsea players receiving criticism for sub-par performances; he, alongside Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, and Eden Hazard, form an important part of Chelsea's attack, one that has struggled to score.

But Ivanovic is also partially responsible for Chelsea's defensive errors, as the Blues' back line has conceded 12 goals so far, the most in the Premier League.

"I think at the moment we are being punished for all our mistakes," Ivanovic explained. "The only way we can change is to work hard and be ready for the next game, so it is like a final and we have to play like a final."

Chelsea's next match isn't a Premier League fixture, however. The Blues take on Maccabi Tel Aviv in Champions League play on Wednesday, which could be a welcome respite for the struggling side.

"The next game is very important for us," Ivanovic said. "It is a new competition and it is time to change all this situation. I hope we will start winning the games soon."