Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has delivered a stunning and critical assessment of the club's decision to appoint Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, warning the inexperienced boss faces a monumental battle to keep the squad onside.
A Dramatic Change in Direction
The Blues parted ways with Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day, swiftly bringing in Rosenior on a six-year deal. The 41-year-old, who impressed in France with Strasbourg, is seen as a promising coach. However, his previous experience is limited to an interim role at Derby County and two seasons at Hull City.
This marks a stark departure from Chelsea's traditional strategy of hiring proven, trophy-winning managers like Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Thomas Tuchel. Mikel believes this shift in policy could set the club's ambitions back significantly.
Mikel's Fears for Chelsea's Future
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, an irate Mikel did not hold back. He argued that the progress made under Maresca has been completely undone, stating the club has taken 'five steps backwards'. His primary concern is whether Rosenior's CV is suited to a club of Chelsea's stature and expectations.
'The CV matches the criteria you want. But does his CV match the club he is coming to manage? Definitely not,' Mikel declared. 'He hasn't managed a top club... It is a different ball game.'
The Crucial 'Spine' of the Team
Mikel pinpointed the core challenge for Rosenior: winning over and maintaining the faith of the squad's most influential players. He identified the trio of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer as the essential spine of the team.
'This is your spine and you need the spine to be happy with you, you need to drag them along,' Mikel explained. His warning was stark: 'If he doesn't manage to do that he is going to lose that dressing room and it is going to end before you know it.'
Rosenior's immediate task is to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for next season, following the team's return to Europe's premier competition this year. However, Mikel's explosive comments cast a shadow over the new era at Stamford Bridge, suggesting the manager's relationship with his star players will be the defining factor in his success or failure.
