John Obi Mikel criticizes Chelsea’s decision to sack Enzo Maresca, calling it a “massive mistake” that disrupted progress under the Italian coach

Former Chelsea FC star John Obi Mikel has described the club’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca as a “massive mistake,” warning that it has set the Blues back.

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Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel praised Maresca’s achievements, noting that under the Italian coach, Chelsea won both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

He argued that Maresca had begun to establish a clear identity for the team before his dismissal.

“We had Enzo Maresca. I’ve said it. I think it was a massive mistake to sack him,” Mikel said. “It’s ridiculous. A manager that won us the Club World Cup, won us the Conference League — we had some sort of identity in the way we played. We took a step forward, and we’ve gone five steps backwards.”

Mikel acknowledged the efforts of Maresca’s successor, Liam Rosenior, who has recorded positive results since taking charge.

However, he insisted that something fundamental is missing from Chelsea’s performances, especially after recent home fixtures against Leeds and Burnley.

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

Despite Rosenior suffering only two defeats — both to Arsenal FC in the Carabao Cup semi-finals — debate continues among fans and pundits over whether Chelsea have truly progressed since the managerial change.

Also read: Italian Football Faces Champions League Debacle

For Mikel, Maresca’s silverware and defined style of play were clear signs of long-term development, and the club may have disrupted that momentum prematurely.