Mikel - Roman is the man

Midfielder desperate to repay investment of owner

Last updated: 18th May 2008

john obi mikel chelsea

Mikel: Hoping for European success

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John Obi Mikel insists there is nothing wrong with the way in which Roman Abramovich runs Chelsea.

Abramovich has been criticised for increasingly rare appearances at Stamford Bridge as it is believed the Chelsea owner has become frustrated by the absence of the combination of successful and attractive football which he has spent big in a bid to achieve.

Chelsea have won two Premier League titles and have also sampled individual successes in the FA Cup and League Cup since Abramovich bought the club in 2003, but it is understood that the ultimate goal is the UEFA Champions League.

And having reached the final this season, midfielder Mikel is hoping to repay the investment of Abramovich, who visited the Chelsea dressing room as they missed out on the Premier League title last weekend, with a victory against Manchester United in Moscow on Wednesday.

Decision

"Roman Abramovich is the man," Mikel said in the Sunday Mirror. "It's his club. Tomorrow he can say, you leave or you stay. So we have to respect his decisions.

"He's the boss and whatever he does for the team, I think he's doing it for the best interests of Chelsea.

"Mr Abramovich - he puts his money where he wants the money to be. If he wants to buy whatever, it's his money.

"I don't see the reason why people have to criticise him. He has the money to spend, so why not?

Dislike

"He comes into training and kicks a ball around with some of his friends sometimes. But he always finds time to say hello and ask how your family are and if you are happy about everything. There's nothing to dislike about him.

"He came into the dressing-room last Sunday and he seemed very happy. He shook hands with everyone, sat down and spoke to the players. He's a nice man and hopefully we can bring him the Champions League."

Mikel also insists that Chelsea are unconcerned by the fact that they are unpopular with some football followers due to their approach to the game.

"Some people say they don't like Chelsea because of the way we play, because of the players we have, because we pay so much money for players," added Mikel

"But as long as we are winning and making sure we are doing our best, we think we are going the right way."