Mikel mends his ways
23 Nov 2006 - 08:26:40
- Mikel mends his ways
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has been challenged to mend his ways and become a key figure for the Blues by Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho.
The 19-year-old Nigerian has featured in the last two games for Chelsea, having been left out of the squad for a month due to off-field problems.
Mourino has been pleased with his player's recent improved attitude and wants that to continue.
He said: "At least he is never late now. I think he has realised what he has to do. But my doubt now is if he realises that for the next month or for the rest of his career.
"That's my doubt. I have to wait and see. But at this moment, his reaction has been positive. He is training well and hard.
"He played well in the last game against West Ham when he came on. He had a very positive experience against Bremen because it was a high level game.
"I think he is going in the right direction. Now he's got to stay doing that because when he does so, I want to help him.
"I want to help him in his career because he has a lot of potential. But now we have to wait a little bit to see if it is a permanent change, or just a change because he was punished.
"You have to give players chances in relation to what they do on the pitch and if they are not trying or not performing or behaving, they have to feel it.
"The best way to feel it is for them to sit on the bench, in the stands or at home."