John Obi Mikel Jokes That Chelsea Need to Bring Back the Old Guard as Former Midfielder Admits It Takes Time for the Team to Gel Together
Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has jokingly suggested that the club should bring back the “old guard” to help the team gel together. Mikel, who spent 11 years at Chelsea and won numerous trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League, believes that the experience and leadership of players like John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Didier Drogba could be beneficial to the current squad.
Speaking in an interview, Mikel acknowledged that it takes time for a team to develop chemistry and cohesion. He emphasized the importance of having experienced players who can guide and mentor the younger members of the team. Mikel stated, “When I was at Chelsea, we had a lot of leaders in the team. We had a lot of players who could help the younger ones.”
Mikel’s comments come at a time when Chelsea is going through a transitional phase under new manager Thomas Tuchel. The German coach took charge in January 2021 and has been working to implement his tactical philosophy and build a cohesive unit. While Chelsea has shown promising signs under Tuchel, Mikel believes that the presence of experienced players could accelerate the team’s progress.
The Nigerian midfielder also expressed his admiration for the current Chelsea squad, highlighting the talent and potential of the young players. He mentioned the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James, and Callum Hudson-Odoi as players who have a bright future ahead of them. Mikel believes that with the right guidance, these young talents can reach their full potential and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
It is worth noting that Mikel’s suggestion to bring back the “old guard” is more of a lighthearted comment rather than a serious proposal. However, it does highlight the importance of leadership and experience in a team’s development.
As Chelsea continues to strive for success under Tuchel, the blend of youth and experience could prove to be a winning formula. Whether or not the club decides to bring back former players in a coaching or mentoring capacity, the guidance and influence of experienced individuals can undoubtedly have a positive impact on the team’s progress.
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