John Obi Mikel, the former Chelsea midfielder and club legend, believes that Mauricio Pochettino deserves time to turn things around at Chelsea, but that the Argentine wouldn’t have such luxury had Roman Abramovich remained the club’s main decision-maker.’I’m telling Victor to narrow his mind to one club – Chelsea’Speaking to The Standard, the former Nigerian international emphasizes the importance of European qualification and improved performances.”This is Chelsea. You have to win. You have to win games and trophies. 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 Abramovich era, he would have lost his job, but I hope the new owners give Poch time. Let’s see where we finish at the end of the season.””He starts screaming in Russian”Mikel Obi recalls Roman Abramovich’s visits to Stamford Bridge pic.twitter.com/Uu0ls4vPt2— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) November 17, 2023 Following Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Liverpool, Mikel acknowledges the pressure at the club to win trophies and deliver results. Despite the criticism, he advocates for patience with Pochettino, considering the time required for the team to gel and improve. However, Mikel underscores that patience has its limits at Chelsea, a club known for its high expectations and demand for success. He acknowledges that in the past, managers have lost their jobs when results did not meet the club’s standards.Mikel highlights the importance of European qualification, particularly in the Europa League, as a minimum expectation for Chelsea. With the club currently 11th in the Premier League table, the 36-year-old two-time Premier League winner sees a strong finish to the season as crucial for Pochettino’s future.##NAJAVA_MECA_7918281##Regarding Chelsea’s need for additional firepower, Mikel reveals his efforts to convince his compatriot Victor Osimhen to join the club. He believes Osimhen’s goal-scoring abilities would significantly benefit Chelsea and address their lack of finishing in crucial moments. He also revealed another former Chelsea star is desperate to see the African hitman move from Napoli to Stamford Bridge.”I keep sending him text messages, calling him and making sure he joins Chelsea. I know he loves Chelsea, but other clubs want to sign him at the end of the season. Didier Drogba is also speaking to him, sharing his ideas, and we’ve been telling him why we love the club. It’s a huge transfer fee, but it would be fantastic if we could get him. You saw in the Carabao Cup final that we lack someone who can finish and score goals. We don’t need someone who creates chances like Harry Kane. We need someone who takes chances like Erling Haaland. I believe there will be talks at the end of the season, and I hope he joins Chelsea.”ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUESaturday 18.00: (5.90) Nott.Forest (4.20) Liverpool (1.55)18.00: (1.95) Newcastle (3.50) Wolverhampton (3.90)18.00: (1.47) Tottenham (4.40) Crystal Palace (6.75)18.00: (2.70) Fulham (3.35) Brighton (2.80)18.00: (2.15) Everton (3.50) West Ham (3.60)18.00: (3.05) Brentford (3.50) Chelsea (2.25)Sunday 16.00: (3.70) Burnley (3.50) Bournemouth (2.00)18.30: (1.32) Man.City (6.00) Man.Utd. (9.50)Monday 23.00: (16.0) Sheffield Utd (7.75) Arsenal (1.20)***odds are subject to change
