‘Break that jinx’ – Ex-Super Eagles midfielder backs Alonso for success at Chelsea

Former Chelsea and Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has weighed in on his former side’s decision to hire Xabi Alonso, Afrik Foot reports.

The Blues have parted with two coaches this season: Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, leaving the club five points adrift of the UEFA Champions League places with one league game left to play.

Alonso won the domestic double with Bayer 04 Leverkusen two years ago, before taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at the Real Madrid dugout last summer.

Mikel Obi backs Alonso for Chelsea success

The Spaniard’s appointment comes with a change in hierarchy. While Maresca and Rosenior were simply coaches, the former Liverpool midfielder will be a manager, meaning he’ll be included in board decisions alongside transfer strategies.

Mikel Obi has been crying for a manager with tactical astuteness and believes Alonso is the right choice for his beloved Chelsea side.

“I think he’s a brilliant, young and talented manager. We saw what he did with Leverkusen, where they went unbeaten and to break that jinx of Bayern winning the league yearly is something,” the 39-year-old said on the Obi One Podcast.

“They played some fantastic football, and he’s also a student of Guardiola as well.

“He loves to play on the front foot, loves to attack and loves to press. That’s what we want, because we have the talent, we have the potential, and I hope he can bring that out of these players.

“He’ll come in straight away and command respect because he’s been there and done it.

“That’s what we need. That’s huge, the mentality changes. It’s a big step, I must say kudos to the club hierarchy for this decision,” the one-time UEFA Champions League winner concluded.

Chelsea will play their final league game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, marking the end of Calum McFarlane’s interim tenure.