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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.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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