Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel mentioned that he's disappointed with the way the management sacked coach Enzo Maresca. The former Blues boss was sacked on January 1.
Enzo Maresca took over the helm at Chelsea in July 2024, leading the Blues to a decent season. Under Maresca's guidance, the West London side won the UEFA Conference League, thereby qualifying for the Champions League. They also lifted the FIFA Club World Cup after beating reigning UCL champions PSG 3-0 in the final. However, things went downhill in his second season in charge, with the former Leicester City boss being sacked on New Year's Day.
In an interview with GOAL, John Obi Mikel weighed in on Chelsea's decision to part ways with coach Enzo Maresca, claiming he did not like how it went. He said:
"We have a very good squad, very good squad. I have to say that the sacking of Enzo Maresca, I'm not a fan of that, I think he's that coach who brought the best out of this squad. This very inexperienced squad he had, he was able to do that, to try and nurture and develop and help these young players. And in the midst of doing that he had to do titles, which he had done."
He continued:
"To compete in the Premier League as well with such an inexperienced squad is very, very tough. I thought that Enzo Maresca was slowly but surely starting to turn the corner in the way we play, we had an identity, playing out from the back against big, big teams. We win the big games and we compete against the big squads. So I just thought he would be given a bit more time. On that part, I don't like that decision that the club made."
After Maresca's dismissal, Chelsea appointed Liam Rosenior as their new head coach. He signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Blues, running until 2032. Rosenior has previously coached English sides Hull City and Derby County, while also leading French side RC Strasbourg to European qualification for the first time in 19 years.
John Obi Mikel weighs in on what should be Chelsea's priorities in the January transfer window
Obi Mikel - Source: Getty
Obi Mikel - Source: Getty
In his aforementioned interview with GOAL, John Obi Mikel also shared his thoughts on what should be Chelsea's focus in the January transfer window. The former midfielder claimed the Blues should focus on signing a goalkeeper and an experienced striker.
"I'd like to see us go out and get a goalkeeper. I think we need a top, top goalkeeper. Centre-back, I like Levi Colwill but I think he needs somebody around him and next to him to lead him as well. I think he can grow into a top, top defender but he needs somebody with experience."
He continued:
"I think as well, in the striker department, we need an experienced striker that already knows how to score goals and win trophies. I don't think we need much, we just need a few players to come in and create that winning mentality, show these young players what it feels like and looks like to win the big ones, which are the Premier League and Champions League."
Chelsea's current squad comprises mostly young players with less experience. The Blues require more depth in their defense ahead of crucial Premier League and UCL games.