WORKING for Jose Mourinho is a pleasure, but also a lot of hard work – says Branislav Ivanovic.

The Blues defender, who is playing under his eighth Chelsea boss, says that Mourinho's perfectionism takes it's toll because the manager always wants something more.

Ivanovic, back in favour after a stint where interim manager Rafael Benitez seemingly preferred Cesar Azpilicueta at right back, said Mourinho is all about the details.

He said: “I think first of all it is a pleasure, and amazing to work with him. But also in other ways it is very difficult, because he is looking for a lot of small details.

“He is perfect about the details in the game - a perfectionist - and to be honest, physically and mentally you have to be ready for that.

“He will always ask you for one step more, for one run more, for always something extra to get a result for the team.”

Ivanovic was signed by Chelsea in January 2008 – under the managerial oversight of Avram Grant – though he never played a match for the Israeli.

Since then, his managers have been Luiz Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink, Carlo Ancelotti, Andre Villas Boas, Roberto Di Matteo and Benitez.

He was the longest-serving Chelsea player never to have worked with Jose Mourinho – until the Portuguese returned this summer.

Asked if Mourinho can lift the popular Serbian to new heights at Chelsea, he said: “For sure. He will take from all of us the maximum – the best we can.”

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