Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has finally spoken out in a blistering attack on the club’s current direction, accusing manager Liam Rosenior of leading the team five steps backward following the controversial departure of Enzo Maresca.
In a lengthy and unfiltered interview on his Obi One Podcast and subsequent media appearances on February 25, 2026, Mikel did not mince words about the decision to part ways with Maresca on New Year’s Day and replace him with Rosenior. The former midfielder, who won two Premier League titles and a Champions League during his 11-year spell at Stamford Bridge, described the managerial change as “one of the biggest mistakes” the club has made in recent years.
“We had Enzo Maresca, and I said from the beginning he was the right fit,” Mikel stated. “He brought structure, identity, a clear way of playing. Yes, there were tough moments, but he was building something real. We took a step forward under him—titles in the Club World Cup and Conference League prove that. And now? We’ve gone five steps backward. It’s painful to watch.”
Mikel singled out Rosenior’s tenure for particular criticism, pointing to what he sees as a lack of tactical cohesion, poor player management, and an inability to impose a consistent style. “The team looks lost at times,” he continued. “No clear identity, no leaders stepping up, and decisions that feel reactive rather than strategic. We’ve dropped points from winning positions at home again and again this season. That’s not progress—that’s regression. The club is moving in the wrong direction, and someone has to say it.”
He questioned the long-term vision under the current ownership, suggesting the sacking of Maresca was driven more by short-term frustration than a coherent plan. “You don’t sack a manager who just won silverware unless you have something better lined up—and right now, I don’t see it. The dressing room needs stability, strong personalities, and a manager who commands respect. Right now, it feels like we’re experimenting again, and Chelsea can’t afford that.”
The comments have sparked immediate and fierce debate among the Chelsea fanbase. Supporters are divided: many agree with Mikel, venting frustration over recent home draws (including the VAR-marred 1-1 against Burnley) and a perceived lack of progress since Rosenior’s arrival from Strasbourg. Others defend the new manager, arguing he needs time to implement his philosophy and that Maresca’s exit was necessary amid reported breakdowns in relationships with senior players and staff.
Social media has been flooded with reactions, with hashtags like #MikelSpeaksFacts and #FiveStepsBack trending among Blues fans. Pundits have weighed in too, with some calling Mikel’s intervention “brutally honest” and overdue, while others suggest it’s unfair to judge Rosenior so early in a transitional period.
Rosenior has yet to respond publicly to Mikel’s remarks, but the club continues to back the manager amid a push for a top-four finish. Chelsea face a crucial run of fixtures in the coming weeks, with results now carrying extra weight under the spotlight of one of their most respected former players.
Mikel concluded his comments with a direct challenge: “Chelsea is a massive club with massive expectations. We can’t keep going backward. The fans deserve better, the players deserve better. It’s time to get it right—before it’s too late.”
The intervention from a club icon like Mikel adds significant pressure to the current regime, ensuring the debate over Chelsea’s direction will dominate discussions in the days ahead.
