Source: Team_Talk
Mikel ready for Ramires challenge
John Mikel Obi is ready to hold off the threat from new signing Ramires by insisting he can help Chelsea retain their Premier League title.[LNB] Mikel's position in the holding midfield role will be contested by Ramires, who joined from Benfica in an £18.2million move last week.[LNB]Mikel's position allows Michael Essien and Frank Lampard to get forward and support the attack, and while Ramires can play in any of the three positions, it is the Nigerian midfielder who will be feeling the heat.[LNB]But he is purely focused on helping Chelsea retain the title and paid to tribute to coach Carlo Ancelotti for his faith in him.[LNB]"I feel at home at Chelsea," said Mikel. "When I signed I was only 19 and looking back I have really enjoyed my four years at the club.[LNB]"In that time I have learned a lot, gained more experience and I know how to read the game better. After all that time playing for a team like this in a league like this, you'll always be better for it.[LNB]"I'm very happy playing under Carlo Ancelotti. After a season together I feel I know him well. He's a manager I can speak to, in many ways he's like a father. He gives me great confidence.[LNB]"Winning the Premier League was the big one to add to my list. I had won every other domestic trophy since arriving at Chelsea in the summer of 2006.[LNB]"But it took until May this year to get my first Premier League winners' medal. It's fantastic to have been able to win all those things by the age of 23 but I suppose that is the benefit of starting your career early.[LNB]"I know there are a lot of great players out there who haven't won any of those things. I feel very happy and very blessed. The next one to add is the Champions League."[LNB]Mikel expects Manchester United and Manchester City to push the Blues harder than ever this season but insists the side are even more determined to finish top.[LNB]They began the campaign with a stunning 6-0 victory over newly promoted West Brom and now travel to face Wigan, who were beaten 4-0 by newcomers Blackpool.[LNB]But Mikel added: "It's going to be another very tough season. United will be hungry to win the title back. I think City will be up there but we want it just as much, if not more, and it will be our job to try to keep it.[LNB]"For me, once I've won something, I want to keep it.[LNB]"We only won the Premier League a couple of months ago but already I feel like it didn't happen.[LNB]"Just because you have won something it doesn't mean you lose that hunger. I still have a desire to win all the competitions in which we play. It's the only way to be in my opinion.[LNB]"Truly great teams win things multiple times and that's what I want Chelsea to do."[LNB]Meanwhile, Chelsea have been boosted by Lampard's return to training. He is now fit to face Wigan following a few days out with an ankle problem.
