---
title: "John Obi Mikel says Chelsea in “very safe hands” with Abramovich"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2018/06/01/john-obi-mikel-says-chelsea-in-very-safe-hands-with-abramovich/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Elliott Cuff"
section: "Chelsea Features & Analysis"
published: "2018-06-01T21:35:40Z"
modified: "2018-06-01T21:36:24Z"
---

# John Obi Mikel says Chelsea in “very safe hands” with Abramovich

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is convinced that the club is in “very safe hands” with owner Roman Abramovich, despite the shock news in the last few days of the indefinite delay on Stamford Bridge’s redevelopment.

On Thursday it was announced that the Russian tycoon had shelved plans that would see Chelsea’s home be expanded to a 60,000 seater stadium after he was denied a UK work visa.

This decision led some to question the club’s stability under Abramovich and whether or not he had long-term plans to remain owner.

![Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/527303036.jpg)

With the Blues having unsuccessfully attempted to defend their Premier League title, and even failing to qualify for the Champions League, there are a number of question marks hanging over heads, in particular with manager Antonio Conte, and superstars Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois.

However Mikel, who made over 350 appearances for the club during an 11-year stint before moving to China in 2017, is convinced it is only a matter of time before Chelsea return as one of England’s elite. As quoted by the [Evening Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/chelsea-are-in-very-safe-hands-with-roman-abramovich-says-mikel-john-obi-a3853646.html), Mikel said:

> This club always bounces back, we always bounce back.

> I am sure Roman \[Abramovich\] knows exactly what to do. Roman and Marina \[Granovskaia\], I am sure they know exactly what they are doing.

> I don’t think the fans should be concerned at all about what is going on. I think it will sort itself out. The club is in very safe hands, the fans should not worry at all.