John Obi Mikel has delivered a powerful and emotional verdict on the changing identity of Chelsea, contrasting the club’s trophy-driven era under Roman Abramovich with what he believes is a more profit-focused approach under the current ownership, Softfootball reports.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel addressed the wider context surrounding Chelsea’s recent off-field turmoil, which culminated in the club parting ways with Enzo Maresca following a series of internal disagreements. The situation reportedly worsened after Maresca failed to attend a post-match press conference, adding to growing tensions behind the scenes.
Chelsea have since moved quickly to appoint Liam Rosenior from Strasbourg as their new head coach, handing him a six-year contract in a bid to bring long-term stability to Stamford Bridge. Rosenior becomes the latest appointment in a revolving door of managers, with the club now having employed more than five coaches (including interim managers) since the takeover in 2022.
However, for Mikel, the issue goes beyond coaching changes and cuts to the very heart of Chelsea’s priorities.
According to the Obi One Podcast official X handle, Mikel said:
So, what I’m saying is our objective has changed from the priority being winning what happens on the pitch — to now, the buying and selling of these young players. That’s what it’s about right now.
It’s about their buying and developing this young talent, giving them six, seven, eight-year contracts, and selling them on in four or five years and making profits.
But don’t forget the man who used to own the football club, who ran the football club for so many years, who made the football club what it is today. He put his money where his mouth was. He won trophies. He invested not just money, but his time and energy.
He felt the fans. The best thing any owner can do is feel the temperature of their fans , when it’s cold, when they’re happy, when they’re celebrating, when they’re sad.
When the fans spoke against the Super League, what did he say? He said, ‘fuck that.’ That’s the owner you need. That’s the owner who wants to see the club succeed.
Watch the full video here:
Mikel’s comments reflect a growing frustration among sections of the Chelsea fanbase, who fear the club’s traditional winning mentality is being diluted by long-term financial planning and player trading strategies. As Liam Rosenior begins his long-term project, the pressure will be on the new regime to prove that Chelsea can still balance sustainability with the relentless pursuit of success that once defined the club.
