“The way the team play” – John Obi Mikel gives surprising verdict on Enzo Maresca at Chelsea

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has given what I see as a surprising verdict on Enzo Maresca at Chelsea so far.

The news comes after Chelsea were defeated by Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, losing to a first half headed goal by Mikel Merino.

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The game was obviously not without its drama and Chelsea fans saw what they expect to see every time Robert Sanchez starts, and that is him making a silly mistake and giving away a goal. This time he got lucky, but Maresca continued to back his goalkeeper at the full time whistle once again.

Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was seen mocking Maresca on the side lines in an interaction that has annoyed Blues fans even more.

All in all it wasn’t a good performance from Chelsea and it lacked intensity, desire, energy, and any kind of real belief that they could get something from the game.

We are now into an international break and a chance for Chelsea’s players and Maresca to have a bit of a reset before our next game against Tottenham!

Mikel backs Maresca

Enzo Maresca fist pumps for the fans. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

I honestly thought with how negative Mikel has been lately that he will be turning on the manager now as well. He often flip-flops on his opinions very fast. So I do wonder if he will soon change this one! But for now, he is behind Maresca it seems.

Mikel said:

“I think he’s a manager that has improved the squad, from where we were before he took over. I think the way the team play now you can see a bit of an identity, the way the fans want to see Chelsea team play, and he managed to do that is such a short space of time. But I think finishing in the top four is going to be where everyone is going to judge him this season, because I think we need to finish in the top four.”

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