John Obi Mikel drops Xabi Alonso verdict and asks question of Reece James at Chelsea
Despite the underwhelming draw against Hull City on Saturday, John Obi Mikel remains a supporter of new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.
The Blues have picked up seven points from their first four games in the Premier League this season, and have been scoring goals for fun.
Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro have all been on top form to help to contribute to 10 goals scored in just four games, however questions have been asked at the opposite end.
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John Obi Mikel gives verdict on Xabi Alonso as Chelsea manager
The Blues have conceded nine goals, including two against Hull as they could only leave Stamford Bridge with a point on Saturday.
Even after the dust has settled from that result, Mikel stated on the Obi One podcast that he remains a firm believer that Alonso is the ‘right manager for the club’, and is willing to be patient to see the end result.
He said: “Listen, it’s going to take time. I think Xabi Alonso is the right manager for this team, and the right manager for this club, going forwards. I think he has some really good ideas. I can see what he’s trying to do. It’s going to take a bit of time.”
The Chelsea squad have been quick to praise Alonso and the environment he has created at the club since taking over, as we approach the first prolonged international break of the season.
Mikel poses Reece James conundrum
Reece James has proved an interesting conundrum for Alonso to work out at Stamford bridge. So far, Alonso has used him in midfield.
However, Mikel believes he does not have the ability to ‘smell danger’ that is required in that role.
He said: “We talk about our defence, but to defend well you need a holding player, whose job is to be there and shield the back four.
“Listen, Reece James has been absolutely superb, but he is not a midfield player. He’s a right-back. So far, he’s done a good job, but that’s not his position. You have to be able to smell danger. So far, we do not have that.”
The wing-back role has so far been locked down by Pedro Neto, who will be facing the challenge soon of the returning Marco Palestra following his injury.
There is opportunity to utilise the skipper as part of the back three, a position which Thomas Tuchel was not afraid to use him in when he was at Stamford Bridge.
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