Former Chelsea midfielder, Obi Mikel, has sharply criticised his former club for their poor recent run of form, following a dismal 3-0 loss to Brighton on Friday.
This latest defeat means Chelsea have won only two of their last nine Premier League matches, a far cry from the high expectations set at the start of the season.
Mikel, speaking candidly on The Obi One Podcast, expressed disbelief at the club’s current predicament, especially after Chelsea were considered serious contenders for the title just a few months ago.
The Nigerian questioned the club’s approach under current manager Enzo Maresca, particularly the Italian’s claim that Chelsea is “ahead of schedule” in their rebuilding process.
“Who the f*** has told them that? Are you f***ing kidding me? This is Chelsea Football Club!” Mikel exclaimed.
“He made it clear that Chelsea’s status as a regular contender for the Champions League is non-negotiable.
“We are a Champions League football club. We’ve always been in the Champions League. To hear anyone say we’re ahead of schedule is unacceptable,” he added.
The former Blues midfielder further expressed concerns over the team’s leadership.
According to Mikel, Chelsea players lack the intensity and character required to turn their fortunes around.
He specifically singled out Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho, whose performances have fallen short of expectations.
Mikel lamented that there was no on-field accountability for Sancho, particularly after defensive lapses in the loss to Brighton.
“He’s deceived us with a couple of good performances,” Mikel said of Sancho.
“We thought we were seeing the Dortmund version of Jadon Sancho, but now he’s disappeared. He doesn’t go past players, he doesn’t create chances, and he’s not helping the team enough.”
The Nigerian also pointed to the absence of leadership within the squad, notably from captain Reece James.
Mikel was critical of James’ leadership, citing his injury struggles and inability to motivate his teammates.
“Reece James needs to do more as a captain. You can’t lead if you’re not on the pitch,” he said.
Mikel’s frustration also extended to Chelsea’s management, particularly regarding the club’s lack of a reliable striker.
He called for the club’s sporting director, Paul Winstanley, and owner Todd Boehly to address the team’s attacking deficiencies.
“Nicholas Jackson is a fantastic guy, a fantastic striker, but he needs help,” Mikel emphasised. “When he gets injured, what do we do then?”
The former Super Eagles captain did not hold back in his criticism of the club’s leadership under Boehly. He reminded the owners that their primary responsibility should be to win trophies, not just to make profits.
“If you buy Chelsea Football Club and think you are here to make profit, no mate, you can f*** off. You need to win trophies,” Mikel declared.
Mikel concluded by expressing his disappointment at Chelsea’s recent decline, particularly during the crucial holiday period when teams traditionally make their push for the title.
He described the failure to perform in the second half of the season as a “huge, huge disappointment” and warned that anything less than Champions League qualification would constitute a disaster for the club.
