Even Chelsea’s harshest critics will have found it difficult to comment on their Club World Cup semi-final victory over Fluminense, however John Obi Mikel found a way.
Joao Pedro scored two brilliant goals on his first start for the club, repaying the faith put in him by Enzo Maresca to hand him the opportunity to replace Liam Delap in the starting side.
Thiago Silva was quick to praise Pedro for his performance as the 40-year-old’s sensational run in this tournament came to an end at the hands of his former side.
With brilliant performances from players like Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez, there was a lot for Maresca to like as he looks to pick his side for the Club World Cup final.
John Obi Mikel slams Robert Sanchez despite Chelsea reaching Club World Cup final
If there is one position that still hasn’t brought universal confidence to Chelsea supporters, it would be the goalkeeper role. Robert Sanchez was between the sticks for the semi-final.
The Blues were almost pegged back after Pedro’s opener when Hercules saw an effort cleared off the line by Marc Cucurella, after the goalkeeper had hesitated to come and claim a loose ball.
Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel was not impressed with what he saw, issuing a simple message to the Spaniard for how he should have dealt with the situation.
He told DAZN: “It did frustrate me. I’m sure all the Chelsea fans in the stadium and at home will be thinking ‘Sanchez, what are you doing?’ Come and catch it! He didn’t. but of course. Cucurella, great anticipation, didn’t stop, and a great clearance. Still 1-0.”
The former Blues midfielder has not been shy to give his opinion on the current Chelsea squad, even though they are currently in a really good place.
Chelsea’s unresolved goalkeeper situation for 2025/26
The Blues were keen on signing Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup got underway, however walked away from the negotiations ahead of the transfer window temporarily closing.
Maignan is now set to stay at AC Milan, leaving the position up for grabs for whoever steps up at Stamford Bridge.
Djordje Petrovic is set to be sold after being left out of the travelling squad to the United States, with there being plenty of Premier League interest in him.
This makes Sanchez the favourite to start the new campaign, however Chelsea fans will be wary of a number of big errors that let them down last season.
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