Mikel Advocates for Chelsea’s Return to Winning Culture Amidst Transition

Following his recent appointment as Chelsea’s head coach, Rosenior acknowledged several former players such as Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and Michael Essien, highlighting the once fearsome reputation of the club and the intimidation factor of Stamford Bridge as a venue for visiting teams. Mikel, however, believes that the shift in Chelsea’s ownership from Roman Abramovich to BlueCo has created challenges in recapturing that same level of intimidation.

“Initially, we brought in players who were already champions—winners, international captains,” Mikel remarked. “The current strategy, however, focuses on acquiring younger talent with potential, which is understandable. In our era, players like [Andriy] Shevchenko, Michael Ballack, and Deco joined us at 29 or later, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a winning mindset.”

Mikel reflects on a time when winning was the primary focus, regardless of the manager’s philosophy. He observes that while the current leadership aims for long-term objectives, fans demand immediate success.

“The new manager must quickly establish a winning culture and create a victorious atmosphere,” Mikel emphasized. “If he fails to achieve that, the fans will not hesitate to express their dissatisfaction. This job is particularly challenging.”

“At Chelsea, there’s an inherent pressure from day one to win. You cannot afford to lose two or three consecutive matches, as it becomes increasingly difficult to reverse the trend. The Premier League is unforgiving; immediate victories are crucial to garner fan support, which is vital for the club’s success.”

Rosenior emerged as a frontrunner for the Chelsea position after the unexpected dismissal of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day. Maresca had successfully guided the team back into the Champions League and won the Conference League last season, also achieving victory at the Club World Cup. Notably, just a month before his exit, Chelsea achieved a significant win against Barcelona and managed a commendable draw against Arsenal despite being reduced to ten players.

“I believe we have a strong squad, and I’m not in favor of Maresca’s dismissal. He effectively drew out the best in a relatively inexperienced team and managed to achieve titles while nurturing young talent,” Mikel stated. “Competing in the Premier League with such a young squad is incredibly challenging. I thought Maresca was beginning to establish our identity on the pitch, competing well against top teams. I believe he deserved more time.”

Mikel urged the club’s BlueCo ownership to enhance communication with fans following the surprising decision to part ways with Maresca. “I hope the owners can take accountability when things don’t go well on the pitch. Frequent managerial changes are concerning. It’s vital for them to articulate their objectives and aspirations clearly to the fans moving forward.”

While Mikel has high regard for the Chelsea squad, he insists that the team requires more seasoned players for emotional support. He expressed a desire for a top goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez, who, at 28, is among the team’s oldest members.

“We need to acquire a top-notch goalkeeper. Additionally, while I admire Levi Colwill’s potential, he would benefit from having an experienced player alongside him to guide his development. Similarly, an accomplished striker who knows how to score and win trophies is essential. We don’t need a complete overhaul, just a few key additions to instill a winning mentality and teach these young players what success looks like in the Premier League and Champions League.”

Navigating the January transfer window is notoriously complex, especially following a managerial change. Mikel emphasized, “Having a full pre-season with a manager is crucial for establishing philosophy and style of play. When a new manager arrives mid-season, it complicates the process, particularly for young players who will take longer to adapt.”

“I hope we don’t face struggles for the remainder of the season, as there remains much to play for. The fixtures are intensifying, with the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal and continuing Premier League and Champions League challenges ahead. The new manager must quickly find a way to secure victories and implement an attractive playing style. I hope he can achieve this.”

Mikel shared his reflections with GOAL, linking his transition to the Google Pixel 10 smartphone to his own football journey. He reminisced about his decision to join Chelsea in 2006, despite an agreement to join Manchester United, after a lengthy meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson.

“It was a pivotal time for me, and I believe that message is relevant to the campaign—don’t hesitate to make bold decisions and follow your heart,” he remarked. “At that time, Chelsea was not yet the dominant force it is today; we had to build our legacy. It was crucial for me to choose a path that resonated with my aspirations, leading to memorable successes with the club.”

Mikel expressed no regrets over his decision to join Chelsea. “Absolutely, it was the right choice. I achieved tremendous success with the club, winning every title. I was fortunate to play alongside incredible players and work under remarkable managers. When I reflect on my journey, I feel immense pride in the legacy we built for the younger players currently at Chelsea.”

Ozgur Kirazci, Senior Marketing Director for Google UK, commented, “The January transfer window is a key moment in the football calendar. We are thrilled to collaborate with John Obi Mikel to highlight his inspiring story and encourage fans to explore new opportunities. There’s never been a better time for fans to make the switch to the Google Pixel 10, which boasts the most powerful chip, an exceptional camera, and built-in Gemini to enhance productivity and creativity.”

Fans can emulate John Obi Mikel’s journey with #TransfertoPixel this January by trading in their old phones for up to an extra £300. For more details, visit the Google Store.