John Obi Mikel: ‘Sánchez and Jackson Aren’t Good Enough to Win Chelsea the League’

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has openly shared his views on the team’s current performances, specifically criticizing Robert Sánchez and Nicolas Jackson for not meeting the standards required to challenge for the Premier League title.

Mikel highlighted a recent mistake by Sánchez as a key example of his shortcomings. In the crucial match against Manchester City, Sánchez made a questionable decision to rush off his line, resulting in an error that proved costly for Chelsea.

“What are you doing? Rushing out?” Mikel questioned. “I know if you call Petr Cech now, privately, he will tell you the same thing. But I’m the only person who’s coming out to say it.”

Mikel believes that past Chelsea goalkeeping greats, such as Petr Cech, would have handled the situation much better.

He also voiced concerns about Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea’s summer signing, arguing that the striker lacks the finishing ability and consistency needed to lead the team to success. While Jackson has shown flashes of potential, Mikel suggested that these moments are not enough for a team striving to dominate English football once again.

Despite Chelsea’s progress over the past season, which includes bringing in new players and appointing Enzo Maresca as manager, Mikel feels the team is still far from reclaiming the Premier League’s top spot.

His comments align with the frustrations of many Chelsea supporters, who expect high standards but continue to see costly mistakes in key areas.

Mikel insists that if Chelsea wants to compete for the title again, they must set higher expectations for their signings, especially in crucial positions like goalkeeper and striker. He believes Sánchez and Jackson, while potentially good enough for a top-four finish, are not the players who will lead Chelsea back to the summit of English football.

As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Sánchez and Jackson can prove Mikel wrong and rise to the challenge. However, his criticism has sparked further doubts about whether Chelsea’s current squad is capable of restoring Stamford Bridge to its former glory.