Mikel Obi Slams Chelsea’s Recruitment Failures Ahead of Benfica Showdown

Chelsea’s struggles this season have been well-documented, but ex-Blue Mikel Obi has now offered a blunt assessment of the club’s problems—and it makes for worrying reading ahead of a crunch Champions League tie with Benfica.

The Blues head into Tuesday night’s clash with the Portuguese giants having won just one of their last five games in all competitions, most recently falling 3-1 to Brighton. On top of that, Chelsea’s discipline has collapsed, with red cards shown in back-to-back Premier League fixtures.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, the former Super Eagles captain was quick to pinpoint the issue: inexperience and poor recruitment.

“Inexperience. I think that’s what you can conclude. Looking back at the game, it’s another stupid, needless mistake,” Mikel said, referring to the costly red cards.

He didn’t hold back when discussing Chelsea’s transfer strategy, arguing that glaring squad weaknesses had been ignored.
“We’ve said it so many times, we needed to strengthen at the back, a striker to tick the box, a centre-back and a goalkeeper. They’ll probably look at it at the end of the season and realise they messed up.”

Mikel also delivered a harsh verdict on Chelsea’s Premier League hopes.
“Our defence is nowhere good enough to win the Premier League. It’s impossible. I’ll say that again, we’re not close with the backline that we have,” he insisted.

While he praised the team’s attacking talent, the former Champions League winner stressed that defensive frailties could undo everything.
“Going forward, we can score goals, we can create chances, we’re brilliant, but Colwill’s absence is telling at the back. There’s no one to cover for him because of his injury. We’re so weak in that position, and now Chalobah is set to miss the game against Liverpool. We’re not in a good place. Strikers win you games, and defenders win you titles.”

Chelsea must now regroup quickly as Benfica arrive at Stamford Bridge before a massive Premier League showdown with Liverpool this weekend. Fans will hope Mikel’s words light a fire under the squad—but right now, the Blues’ season already feels like it’s on shaky ground.