Ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has expressed his opinion on the current situation surrounding Maurizio Sarri’s lack of success with Chelsea.
Although Chelsea are yet to play their Europa League final match against Arsenal, it is fair to say that the Blues have been less than convincing this season.
Despite making it to the Carabao Cup final and securing a Champions League position next year, the 2018/19 campaign for Sarri and his men has been inconsistent and at some points embarrassing.
Questions have been raised over Sarri’s position as manager and whether the players on the pitch deserve to be there.
But ex-Chelsea midfielder Mikel believes he knows what is missing at Stamford Bridge to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool.
Speaking to Football Live, relayed by football.london, the Nigerian international said:
There may still be plenty of international stars in the Blues squad, but they lack the “edge” required to challenge for the grandest of prizes, when I watch them now, they’re fantastic players but I don’t see leaders.
During our time I could scream at Didier Drogba or Lampard. I was 24 or 25 years old but I could voice my opinion and it would be heard. Now when I watch them, there’s no one talking to each other, taking responsibility of being the leader.
You need that edge and right now that’s what they’re lacking.
The comments made do ring true with there being a lack of leadership amongst the starting line-up.
It could be argued that Gary Cahill is a good leader figure, however, his contract is due to expire in the summer and has rarely featured this term.
With a transfer ban looming, it could be difficult for Sarri to find this missing piece going into the summer transfer window.
