Mikel calls Maresca sacking a 'massive mistake' as Chelsea falter under Rosenior

Chelsea legend Jon Obi Mikel criticised the club’s decision to dismiss Enzo Maresca, saying the Blues have regressed since the Italian’s departure on New Year’s Day. Maresca had delivered silverware and European pedigree to Stamford Bridge, winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup and leaving the team on course for Champions League qualification before a breakdown in communication with the board led to his exit.

Speaking on the Obi One podcast, Mikel was blunt: "We had Enzo Maresca. I've said it, I think it was a massive mistake to sack him. I mean, it's ridiculous. Yeah, a manager that won us the Club World Cup, won us the Conference League, we had some sort of identity the way we played.

We took a step forward, and we've gone five steps backwards. Liam has come in, and he's won games, but there is absolutely something that is missing.

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