Mikel Obi slams Enzo Maresca, blames him for Chelsea's recent poor form

L-R: Mikel Obi, Enzo Maresca

John Mikel Obi has slammed Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca for the club's poor form in recent matches.

The Blues showed glimpses of being Premier League title contenders earlier in the season after going on an impressive winning streak.

Chelsea were just two points behind Liverpool on December 15, 2024, after beating Brentford 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Despite being tipped as title contenders, Chelsea boss Maresca, in his interactions with the media, consistently played down the idea of challenging for the title.

Former Blues midfielder Mikel Obi believes that Maresca's rhetoric affected the team's mentality.

“It is a disappointing season. When we were second or third in the title race, he was asked, are we in the title race? You can’t come out, knowing the players that we have here, they’re kids, and their mentality is so low.

“When you come out as a manager and say no, we are not in the title race. He should not have said that. It has gotten to their heads. We’ve won only one or two games since then. Their performance has been in shambles.

“For me, the manager has to be blamed for this. He needs to take responsibility,” Mikel concluded.

Chelsea have won just one of their last seven Premier League matches and have dropped from second position to sixth.

The Blues are currently 13 points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand.