Nigerian football manager Gernot Rohr has blasted Antonio Conte for not giving sufficient chances to John Obi Mikel. The Nigerian midfielder is one of the oldest serving players of Chelsea after John Terry but hasn’t played under Antonio Conte this term. The midfielder joined the London club in 2006 and since then has been with the club.
Another player Cesc Fabregas also has been struggling under Conte and has been the subject of speculation with a number of clubs being interested.
Nigerian coach Rohr has backed his player saying that he still has belief in his player, “Mikel was punished by Chelsea for playing at the Olympics for Nigeria. The new coach tried convincing him to stay but he went to defend his nation. I cannot punish him for not playing in his club.”
Mikel seemed to be surplus to requirements and admitted that he is looking for another club in the upcoming transfer window. “For the first time in my career, this is happening to me and I have to stand up and deal with it. It is what it is but I’m training hard every day and always wish the team the best and I am happy we are doing well.
“I’ve been at Chelsea a long time. Managers come and go. These things happen in football so we will have to make that decision when January comes.”
