Predictions
John Obi Mikel has never been one to sit on the fence when it comes to Chelsea — and he hasn’t started now.
With tensions already high following Enzo Maresca’s sacking and growing fan anger towards co-owner Behdad Eghbali, the club’s decision to appoint Liam Rosenior has split opinion. For Mikel, it’s a move that carries significant risk.
A Brave — or Convenient — Appointment?
There’s no denying that hiring Rosenior is a bold decision.
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The 40-year-old arrives at Stamford Bridge with very limited top-level experience, having managed Hull City, Derby County and most recently Strasbourg. For many fans, that resume feels light for a club that still considers itself among Europe’s elite.
From the ownership’s perspective, however, it likely felt like a safe and controllable option. Rosenior was already within the wider BlueCo structure, understands the club’s model, and — crucially — isn’t expected to publicly challenge decision-makers in the way Maresca reportedly did.
That context makes the appointment understandable. But understandable doesn’t necessarily mean convincing.
Mikel: “Does His CV Match Chelsea? Definitely No”
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel didn’t hide his doubts about whether Rosenior has earned a role of this magnitude.
“It’s a massive, massive job for him. Listen, I am for giving people opportunities. I am all for that.
But at the same time, don’t just give people jobs because you want to. You give people jobs because they earn it.”
The former Chelsea midfielder then delivered his most damning assessment:
“Does his CV match the football club that he’s coming to manage? Definitely no.
He hasn’t managed any top football club. He hasn’t even been an assistant at a top football club.”
Mikel contrasted Rosenior’s path with someone like Mikel Arteta, who spent years learning as an assistant at Manchester City before taking the Arsenal job.
“It was Hull, it was Derby, Strasbourg now. Strasbourg. It’s a different ball game. This is Chelsea.”
“This Is One of the Biggest Clubs in the World”
Mikel’s concern isn’t rooted in personal dislike. In fact, he acknowledged that Rosenior is well regarded as a coach.
But coaching ability and managing Chelsea Football Club are very different challenges.
“From what I’ve heard, yes, he’s a brilliant young coach. He can bring the best out of players.
But you were coaching Strasbourg, Hull and Derby. This is Chelsea football club.”
The Nigerian legend pointed to the calibre of players Rosenior now has to command:
- Enzo Fernández
- Moisés Caicedo
- Cole Palmer
- Multiple internationals and World Cup winners
“You’re talking about walking in and managing a World Cup winner. These are big personalities.”
Managing the Fans May Be the Hardest Job
Perhaps Mikel’s most important point wasn’t about tactics or training — but supporters.
Chelsea’s fanbase is restless, vocal, and increasingly distrustful of the ownership. Rosenior is walking straight into that storm.
“He has to manage the fans. The fans are not happy right now.
How does he win the fans? How does he bring them with him?”
Mikel warned that patience will be thin:
“Once you lose one or two games, they’re going to turn on you straight away.”
Rosenior has made a positive early impression by engaging with supporters ahead of the Fulham match, but goodwill alone won’t last long — especially with Arsenal looming in the Carabao Cup.
A Tough Road Ahead for Rosenior
There are reasons for optimism. Players like Liam Delap have already spoken positively about Rosenior’s man-management, and those close to the game describe him as intelligent, personable and detailed.
But as Mikel rightly points out, Chelsea is unforgiving.
Rosenior isn’t just managing a squad — he’s managing:
- A fractured fanbase
- An impatient ownership model
- Sky-high expectations
- And a club still searching for its identity
Time will tell whether this gamble pays off. For now, even Chelsea legends are watching with cautious concern.
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