Cole Palmer: Mikel Obi questions Rosenior’s handling of Chelsea star

Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has questioned Liam Rosenior’s treatment of English star Cole Palmer, Afrik Foot reports.

Rosenior was brought in to replace Enzo Maresca in January after the Italian manager questioned some of the board’s decisions.

The results under the former Strasbourg manager has been mixed, but for Mikel, what’s even more baffling is the tactical approach employed by the 41-year-old.

Chelsea: Mikel faults Ronenior’s treatment of Cole Palmer

Following Chelsea’s 1-2 loss to Arsenal in the London derby, the 2012 UEFA Champions League winner questioned Rosenior’s tactical approach.

“Liam, mate. I’m all for young coaches, giving them opportunities, especially black coaches, but if you come in and you’re not doing well, I won’t give you an excuse,” the Nigerian said on the Obi One podcast.

“He’s come in and won games, but those games are teams that he should beat.

“The games he’s lost are games we should be competing in, and it’s always Arsenal.

“In his tenure, they’ve beaten us three times and we haven’t played well. Why are you playing Cole Palmer out of position?

“Cole Palmer is our best player. Yes he’s just got back from injury and hasn’t hit the level we know he can hit.

“He’s played so many games, you can expect him to break down, but he’s back.

“Build a team around Cole Palmer in his best position, as 10, which is where every Chelsea fan wants to see him.

“Liam should start by that. He has two of the best midfield players in the Premier League.

“Enzo and Caicedo. Why try to accomodate Andrey Santo? I’m not knocking anyone down, I just want what’s best for the team,” Mikel concluded.

Chelsea now have a mountain to climb in their race for the UEFA Champions League spots as they’re currently 5th on the Premier League table with nine games to spare.