Mikel Holds Clear-The-Air Talks With Chelsea Boss Over Lack Of Game Time

Nigeria skipper John Obi Mikel is hoping he makes his first appearance for Chelsea this season when they tackle West Ham in the fourth round of the League Cup at the London Stadium on Wednesday night.

The central midfielder has held clear-the-air talks with manager Antonio Conte over his lack of playing opportunities, and wants to continue to work hard towards retaining his place in the starting XI.

“I hope I will get some playing time against West Ham, but it is down to the manager,” Mikel told London Evening Standard.

“He has been open and honest with me. I respect him for that. He has explained the situation and I totally understand.”

The Chelsea number 12 continued : “When you have been at a club for a long time, these things happen where a club wants to move forward.

“I just have to be professional, work as hard as I can to try and get into the team. I work twice as hard every day and it’s because I appreciate this club.”

Mikel, 29, has played nonstop at Chelsea for more than ten years following his transfer from Lyn Oslo, Norway.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com