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FIFA Club World Cup: John Obi Mikel backs Chelsea to shine on global stage
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has urged his former club to build on their successful campaign at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup – with every game shown live on DAZN.
Enzo Maresca’s men head stateside having finished fourth in the Premier League, securing Champions League qualification next term, and won the Conference League in Poland.
After thumping Real Betis 4-1 in Wroclaw, Chelsea became the first club to sweep the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup and Conference League.
With nine European trophies to their name, focus turns to the biggest and most lucrative FIFA Club World Cup ever as the Blues bid to win the trophy for a second time.
Ex-midfielder Mikel, who enjoyed a glittering career at Stamford Bridge, holds Chelsea close to his heart and told talkSPORT: "The way we ended the season was fantastic.
"Since taking over the club, a lot of people doubted Maresca’s ability as a manager who came in from Leicester City in the Championship.
"But he’s steadied the ship and got us playing some really good football.
"Obviously we started the season really well but sort of veered off in the festive period – in December and January we stopped winning games and fell down the league table.
"But we picked it up towards the end of the season and I always said the priority was to qualify for the Champions League.
"I wasn’t too fused about the Conference League because that’s not who we are and the sort of the trophy we should be competing for.
"But we qualified for the Champions League and that’s who we are, so winning the Conference League as well made it a perfect season.
"We have to build from this and take the momentum into the FIFA Club World Cup and next season in the Premier League and Champions League."
Liam Delap is joining from Ipswich Town but Mikel says further reinforcements are needed during the summer.
"I think we need two or three signings,” he added. We need a top, top goalkeeper to be able to win trophies and that’s what we had in Petr Cech.
"Manchester City had it with Ederson and won four successive Premier League titles and Liverpool have it with Allison.
"For me I don’t think Robert Sanchez is that guy, so we need a top, top goalkeeper.
"I’ve seen we might be going for the AC Milan goalkeeper [Mike Maignan] and for me he’s a top goalkeeper.
"We need another experienced centre-back and a player on the wing who can create chances and score goals.
“With a few more signings, I think we should be right in there competing to win the Premier League next season.”
Watch all 63 matches of the 2025 Club World Cup live on DAZN. More information and to sign up for a free account here.
