“This is Chelsea. You have to win” — Mikel Obi blasts Pochettino

Former Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi isn’t messing about or mincing words in his criticism of current Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino who this season has faced the brunt of an underachieving team.

According to the ex-Super Eagles star, he has suggested that Mauricio Pochettino would have faced dismissal if it were in the days of the famous Roman Abramovich, whose era of ownership presented the Blues as a no-nonsense football side.

Abramovich, renowned for his ruthless approach, sold Chelsea FC over 18 months ago, marking the end of an era characterized by substantial success and numerous managerial changes.

Under the new ownership of Todd Boehly, Chelsea has witnessed a revolving door of managers, with Pochettino being the latest to helm the team.

However, despite his arrival last summer, the Argentine manager has encountered difficulties in achieving consistent performances, with Chelsea currently languishing in 11th place in the Premier League.

The recent loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final has only added to the pressure on Pochettino, as Chelsea now faces the prospect of missing out on Champions League football once again.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Mikel reflected on the intense scrutiny that comes with being associated with Chelsea, stating,

“Some of the criticism has been over the top, but we went through the same thing playing for Chelsea when we were not winning, getting criticised and watching managers losing their jobs. This is Chelsea. You have to win. You have to win games and trophies.”

The former Super Eagles midfielder goes on to add;

“Yes, we’ve given them time, but they have had time to start gelling, coming together, and playing much better. I defend the players and coach. They have to be given time, but how much time? This is Chelsea FC. If this was the [Roman] Abramovich era, he would have lost his job.”