Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has raised eyebrows with his recent comments about the current state of affairs at Stamford Bridge. Mikel, who played under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, believes that Mauricio Pochettino would have been shown the door if the Russian billionaire still held the reins at Chelsea.
Abramovich, known for his ruthless approach to management, oversaw a period of unprecedented success at the club before being forced to sell over 18 months ago. Since then, Todd Boehly has taken the helm, but the transition has not been smooth sailing. With the club already on its third permanent manager in less than two seasons, Chelsea find themselves in a precarious position.
Pochettino, who took charge in the summer, has struggled to find consistency with his team, resulting in a disappointing 11th place in the Premier League table. The recent loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final has only added to the mounting pressure on the Argentine manager.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Mikel defended the players and coach, acknowledging the challenges they face in a demanding environment like Chelsea. He emphasized the need for time to gel and improve but questioned how much time is enough. In the Abramovich era, according to Mikel, swift action would have been taken if results did not meet expectations.
The former midfielder’s comments shed light on the high stakes and intense scrutiny that come with managing a top club like Chelsea. As the team strives to secure a spot in the Champions League, the pressure is mounting on Pochettino and his players to deliver results.
In a league where success is non-negotiable, Chelsea’s current struggles serve as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of football at the highest level. Only time will tell if Pochettino can turn the tide and prove his worth in the demanding world of English football.
