Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has criticised the club's ownership, warning that the team is losing its winning mentality under the current regime. Mikel, who won two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, said the club has taken 'one step forward and five steps backwards' under new head coach Liam Rosenior, who replaced Enzo Maresca.
Mikel expressed concern that the club's focus on signing young talent rather than proven winners is harming its culture. 'Back in the day, we used to have those big-name players, or those big-name coaches, and the club has decided to go in this direction which I don't know if it's a gamble,' he said. He urged owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali to listen to fans and restore a winning identity.
The Nigerian international highlighted the lack of experienced leaders on the pitch compared to his era, when players like Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Didier Drogba could rally the team. 'You need players that can tell you this on the pitch, that can coach you that on the pitch,' Mikel said. 'That's what I don't see with this squad right now, and that's why the inconsistency's always there.'
Mikel also warned that top players such as Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo could become disillusioned if Chelsea fails to compete for major trophies. 'Players want to win trophies,' he said. 'I hope that doesn't start putting something in their head, thinking now they want to move on.' He added that constant managerial changes create instability and affect player morale.
Rosenior faces a challenging start, with fans unhappy at the direction of the club. Mikel stressed the importance of winning back the support: 'He needs to find a way of carrying the fans along with him, creating that winning mentality. It's a tough job for him to do.'
