Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves has recalled the “awful” interview he had with former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in 2012, where he revealed to the full-back that he would be banned from the Champions League final. It came after the Blues had overcome Barcelona in a 3-2 aggregate win in the semi-finals, booking their place against Bayern Munich at their home ground.
Roberto Di Matteo’s side famously went on to win the game on penalties, with Didier Drogba scoring the deciding spot kick to win a first Champions League for the club. They have won it one other time since, that being last summer’s triumph over Manchester City.
However, during the match Ivanovic had picked up a booking, which when combined with a previous one from another knockout game, meant the defender would be banned from the final in Germany. Despite doing so, the Serbian didn’t know of this until it was revealed by Shreeves in the post-match interview.
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The encounter was awkward as the defender found out live on television, making for uncomfortable viewing. Shreeves described it as the “perfect storm” for a difficult watch.
Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, he said: “For many years, if someone said the word Ivanovic I go 'ooo'. I am basically the man who shot Bambi live on Television. There is a golden rule in TV that you should never make the viewer feel uncomfortable and trust me, they were behind the sofa with cushions after that.
“But, the strange thing is. When I explain it in full, it was the perfect storm. We didn't know if he had been booked. He thought he had been booked but he wasn't sure. Madly, Roberto di Matteo, who was the manager at the time, didn't remind the players who were on yellows that they were as he wanted them to be fully committed.
“So, in his head he still thinks he is playing. Therefore, when I said you know you're not playing in the final, he looked totally confused. So, now I have to tell him, 'no, you're not playing. You're not getting this. It was just awful. Could I have done it better? Of course I could have. But, hindsight is a wonderful gift.”
While that night may have ended bittersweet for Ivanovic, the Champions League winners medal is an addition that he won’t be too upset about. Add redemption in the Europa League final, scoring a header against Benfica, later down the road and it seems less significant in comparison.
