Mikel adapting to Blues role

18 September 2009 09:17
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} John Obi Mikel admits he is still adjusting to his new role in the Chelsea team but insists boss Carlo Ancelotti is the right man to get the best out of him.[LNB] Mikel has played under five coaches since signing for the Blues in 2006 and has found the managerial merry-go-round a struggle at times.[LNB]But the 22-year-old is determined Ancelotti's summer appointment will herald a period of stability at Stamford Bridge, one which will see the Nigerian international feature at the base of Chelsea's new diamond midfield formation.[LNB]Ancelotti, who twice won the European Cup with AC Milan, once described Mikel as the one midfielder who most closely resembled his own playing style and the Blues holding man is enjoying the Italian's influence and insight.[LNB]He told the Chelsea's official website: "He (Ancelotti) knows the role very, very well and sometimes he speaks with me about it. He told me he was like me.[LNB]"We will see how it goes. Every time a new manager comes in it is difficult.[LNB]"I try to get used to the old manager and he goes and another one comes in and wants you to play a different way, and then another one comes and sometimes it is a bit confusing.[LNB]"With the current manager, he has asked me to play differently in a different system and that is difficult at first - but I will only do my best.[LNB]"The manager wants me to pass the ball a bit quicker. You cannot pass the ball quicker when you don't have options so it is not just about me."[LNB]Ancelotti, whose side host Tottenham on Sunday, believes there is still plenty of room for improvement in the former Lyn Oslo player's locker.[LNB]"Mikel has very good quality to play in front of the defence. He has good defensive play but has to improve when we have the ball," he said.[LNB]"He has the possibility because he is young and intelligent, and he is motivated to do better."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports