And Mikel said the Portuguese had returned to Stamford Bridge this summer with the sort of swagger which convinces players they can do better
Browsing: Mikel
The 26-year-old scored his first League goal after 185 matches for the Blues in the 84th minute when he slotted a right-footed shot past David Stockdale
The former Eagles boss also offered this advice for Mikel: “There is no doubting the fact that Mikel is a talented footballer, who has the quality to be a super star in football but he must continue to work hard and try as much as possible to join the attack
Mikel’s injury may force Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho, to reshuffle his midfield with Frank Lampard and David Liuz to start in the holding role since Ramires will not be available for the game as he is serving his one match ban following his controversial red card against Bayern Munich last month
Among early trainers for the African champions are stand-in skipper, Vincent Enyeama; Chelsea superstar, John Mikel Obi; goalkeepers Ausin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim
Iroha, who also tipped the award holder, Yahaya Toure of Cote d’Ivoire
and Manchester City midfield player, to eventually to win this year’s
Africa Footballer of the year a record third time ahead of Nigeria’s
Mikel Obi and others, said the organisers of the event, the
Confederation of Africa Football, may deny Mikel like they denied
Austin Okocha in 2000 and 2004
“Mikel is a good and fantastic player and there is no cause for him to be banned from the national team
Competent sources revealed that the Super Eagles’ camp was thrown in a pandemonium as the coaches failed to adhere with their earlier agreement of introducing Austin Ejide for fumbling Vincent Enyeama against Spain
Though it was Mourinho who signed Mikel in 2006, the source who spoke with Daily Mail, believes that the returning Chelsea boss will consider offers for the tough tackler, perhaps with a view to replacing the former Lyn Oslo man with either Micheal Essien, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, or an entirely new signing
The 26-year-old joined the Blues in 2006, snapped up by Jose Mourinho during his first stint with the club between 2004 and 2007
The Blues, still basking in the euphoria of their Europa League win, are in a must win situation to guarantee third place and automatic entry into the Champions League group stage
Yobo’s knee was said to have swollen up after he played 70 minutes for his Turkish side at the weekend