John Obi Mikel slams Chelsea for ‘ridiculous’ Maresca sacking as Blues struggle for identity

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has delivered a scathing assessment of the club’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca, branding the move “ridiculous” and warning that the team have regressed since the Italian’s departure.

Speaking candidly on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel argued that Chelsea dismantled a project that was beginning to show structure, cohesion and tangible progress.

Maresca left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day after guiding the Blues to silverware and instilling what many supporters viewed as a clear tactical blueprint. In Mikel’s view, that foundation has since eroded.

“We had Enzo Maresca. I’ve said it, I think it was a massive mistake to sack him. I mean, it’s ridiculous,” he said. The Nigerian did not stop there, pointing to the sense of direction the squad once possessed.

“Yeah, a manager that won us the Club World Cup, won us the Conference League, we had some sort of identity the way we played. We took a step forward, and we’ve gone five steps backwards.”

Chelsea turned to Liam Rosenior in the aftermath, and while the new head coach began with encouraging results, recent setbacks against Leeds United and Burnley have intensified scrutiny. Performances have fluctuated, and questions are resurfacing about the club’s long-term vision.

Mikel was measured in his assessment of Rosenior but suggested that something fundamental has been lost in transition.

“Liam has come in, and he’s won games, but there is absolutely something that is missing. Something is not quite right.”