“He’s lacking such mentality in his Chelsea squad” “Needs to correct it or makes him suffer” – Mikel Obi NAMES one thing Enzo Maresca is lacking in his Chelsea squad that could cost him his job
The Blues have a lot of work to do behind the scenes following their dismal 3-1 loss to Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
However, Chelsea led through Pedro Neto at the break but capitulated in the second half as the Brazilian giants turned the game around.
To make things worse for Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson delivered arguably the worst substitute appearance since Steven Gerrard against Manchester United in 2015.
Jackson came on in the second half and was deservedly sent off four minutes into his stint for a reckless challenge on Ayrton Lucas.
Chelsea legend Mikel John Obi was not impressed as he named one thing in particular that the Blues are currently lacking.
Mikel John Obi says Chelsea lack leaders at present
Mikel, speaking on DAZN, criticised a number of players on the day, with Jackson and Robert Sanchez both drawing Mikel’s ire.
However, the Chelsea icon also said there was one issue which related to the whole team – namely that they lack leaders.
“When you talk about leaders, people that can be on the pitch and control the game and their team-mates,” Mikel said, as per BBC Sport.
“That is what Chelsea had when the likes of John Terry and Didier Drogba were at the club.
“People who can call the players around and say, ‘Listen, let’s calm down a bit’.
“I don’t see that here, I don’t see leaders. I just see players making mistakes.
“Then Nicolas Jackson comes in and gets the red card. It just went from bad to worse.”
Regarding Chelsea’s performance on the day, Mikel said: “Flamengo from the start of the game they were the much better side.
“They controlled the game, played well, with tempo, they were aggressive. They were first to every ball and outplayed Chelsea from the very start.”