“He’s Not Good Enough” – Former Blue Says Chelsea Offloaded Playmaker as Maresca Didn’t Rate Him

John Obi Mikel has established himself as a respected voice in the Chelsea community, leveraging his experience as a former player while maintaining an independent perspective.

Unlike some club-affiliated pundits, he isn’t afraid to speak his mind, and his insights often resonate with frustrated fans.

This week, Chelsea supporters have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer strategy, particularly regarding Joao Felix.

Just six months after signing a seven-year contract, Felix has been sent out on loan again, raising serious questions about the decision-making process at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel didn’t hold back when discussing the situation, offering a straightforward assessment of why multiple managers have overlooked the Portuguese forward.

“Enzo Maresca has seen what other managers have seen. Maybe he’s not good enough. Maybe he’s not training well enough. Maybe he’s not applying himself properly in training, during games, or even in his overall attitude. There has to be a reason why so many managers have looked at him and said, ‘Thank you very much, but you’re not good enough,’” Mikel remarked.

While Maresca is the latest coach to pass on Felix, the real issue likely lies elsewhere. The decision to bring him in was made above the manager’s level, and it has now become clear that Felix was never the right fit.

Mikel also pointed fingers at Felix himself, emphasizing that the player must take responsibility for his career trajectory.

“The player has to take a hard look at himself. Joao Felix is now 25. I remember when people were saying, ‘Wow, he’s 18 or 19, so much potential.’ Time flies. If he wants to build a successful career and stop bouncing between clubs, he needs to take accountability. That means training well, eating right, getting enough rest, and surrounding himself with the right people.

“We’ve invested so much in him, brought him back to Chelsea, and now we’ve let him go again. At some point, he needs to step up and prove his worth.”

With Chelsea’s transfer dealings under intense scrutiny, Mikel’s blunt assessment echoes the concerns of many fans.

The club must learn from these missteps, and Felix must show he can live up to the expectations that once made him one of Europe’s most promising talents.