Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel didn’t hold back in his criticism of Enzo Maresca after watching the Blues suffer a crushing 3-0 defeat to Brighton. The former midfield enforcer, who played a key role in Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League triumph, expressed his frustration on his podcast, slamming the club’s poor form and calling the situation “unacceptable.”
Mikel’s scathing remarks came as Chelsea dropped to sixth in the Premier League, just days after their cup elimination at the hands of the Seagulls. He hinted at the club’s declining standards, saying, “Back in the day, this would have been a crisis—the helicopter would have landed by now.” While stopping short of calling for Maresca’s dismissal, he made it clear that missing out on a Champions League spot would be a disaster.
One of Mikel’s biggest concerns was Maresca’s previous admission that Chelsea are not title contenders, a statement he believes has affected the players’ mentality.
In response, Maresca defended his ambition, stating, “Since day one, my goal has been to win games, win titles, and bring this club back where it belongs.” He acknowledged the pressure but insisted that his mindset remains focused on success.
“When you win, you look humble. When you don’t, it looks like you lack ambition,” Maresca added. “But I am ambitious. This club is ambitious.”
Mikel’s words have resonated with many Chelsea fans who are growing frustrated with the team’s struggles. As the pressure mounts, Maresca now faces the challenge of proving that Chelsea’s winning DNA isn’t fading away.
