Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has strongly criticised the current squad, accusing them of lacking character, intensity, and leadership following their recent poor performances.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel expressed frustration with Chelsea’s mentality, especially after their 2-1 defeat to West Ham and 3-0 loss to Brighton.

“I watched the team’s matches. The game against West Ham (2-1) was even worse than the game against Brighton (0-3). Against Brighton, there was no character, no intensity, no leaders on the pitch.”

The Chelsea legend also referenced Jadon Sancho as an example of inconsistency, believing the winger has failed to deliver at a high level.

“Jadon Sancho deceived us by playing a couple of good matches. I thought, ‘Damn, we’ve got the Jadon Sancho from Dortmund.’ But then he went back to his old ways. He disappeared from the pitch. He doesn’t take players on, doesn’t create chances, doesn’t help the team the way he should.”

Mikel insisted that while Chelsea’s players are talented, they lack leadership and the hunger needed to win.

“They are not bad players, but they need to do more. A leader is needed, someone who will grab them by the neck and say: Listen, wake up, ##### (damn). A damn leader is necessary, someone who will say: Wake up, wake up, ##### (damn).”

Comparing the current squad to his Chelsea era, Mikel recalled how club legends like John Terry held players accountable.

“These players are too soft. That’s what I mean. Yes, I understand, I keep going back to the past when we were in the club, but that’s what helped us.”

“When you did something wrong, John Terry would call you over or meet you in the gym and say: You need to do more. The club needs you to do more because we need to win matches.”

With Chelsea currently sitting sixth in the Premier League, Mikel’s passionate critique echoes the concerns of many fans who expect more from the team under Enzo Maresca.