John Obi Mikel: ‘Sánchez and Jackson Aren’t Good Enough to Win Chelsea the League’

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has openly criticized two of the club’s key players, Robert Sánchez and Nicolas Jackson, arguing that they lack the quality required to lead Chelsea back to the pinnacle of English football. The ex-Nigerian international, who played a crucial role in Chelsea’s past successes, did not hold back in his assessment, voicing concerns about their performances and what it means for the club’s title aspirations.

Mikel specifically highlighted a recent costly mistake by Sánchez in a high-profile clash against Manchester City. The Spanish goalkeeper made a questionable decision to rush off his line, leaving his goal exposed, which ultimately led to a goal that cost Chelsea dearly. “What are you doing? Rushing out?” Mikel questioned in frustration. “I know if you call Petr Cech now, privately, he will tell you the same thing. But I’m the only one coming out to say it.”

According to Mikel, Chelsea’s goalkeeping standards have drastically declined since the days of Cech, Thibaut Courtois, and even Édouard Mendy. While Sánchez has shown moments of competence, Mikel believes he lacks the composure and decision-making skills needed to be a title-winning goalkeeper. He insists that Chelsea cannot afford such errors in high-stakes games if they truly aim to challenge for major honors.

Beyond Sánchez’s issues, Mikel also turned his attention to Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea’s summer signing who arrived with great expectations but has struggled with consistency. The young striker has shown glimpses of talent but has often lacked the clinical finishing required at the highest level. “Yes, he works hard, yes, he runs a lot, but that’s not enough,” Mikel stated. “At Chelsea, you need a striker who can bury chances week in, week out. That’s what Didier Drogba did. That’s what Diego Costa did. Jackson is not at that level yet.”

Mikel’s words echo the frustrations of many Chelsea fans who have been left unconvinced by Jackson’s performances so far. While the striker has had his moments, including a few crucial goals, there is still a sense that he lacks the killer instinct required to lead the line for a club with Chelsea’s ambitions. The former Blues midfielder suggested that unless Jackson drastically improves his finishing and decision-making, Chelsea will continue to struggle for goals.

Despite the arrival of new manager Enzo Maresca, who is expected to implement a more structured tactical approach, Mikel believes the squad still lacks the elite-level talent required to reclaim the Premier League title. He pointed out that even though Chelsea have spent heavily in the transfer market, their recruitment has often failed to deliver immediate results.

The Nigerian football icon is not alone in his concerns. Pundits and former Chelsea players have repeatedly questioned the club’s recruitment strategy, particularly in key positions. The decision to let go of more experienced players while betting on younger, less proven talents has left many wondering if Chelsea’s current direction is the right one.

Mikel insists that Chelsea need to set higher standards if they want to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. He believes that while Sánchez and Jackson may be good enough for a top-four battle, they are not the players to lead Chelsea to a league title. “Chelsea is a club with a winning mentality,” he said. “We don’t settle for mediocrity. The fans expect trophies, not just progress.”

While Mikel’s comments may seem harsh, they reflect the growing concerns about Chelsea’s ability to return to the top. The Blues have been a shadow of their former selves in recent seasons, struggling for consistency and failing to mount a serious title challenge. The days of dominating English football under José Mourinho and Antonio Conte feel like a distant memory, and fans are desperate for a return to those glory days.

The pressure is now on Sánchez and Jackson to prove their critics wrong. While both players are still relatively young and have room for improvement, they must step up if Chelsea are to stand any chance of competing with the best. With the Premier League season progressing, all eyes will be on them to see if they can rise to the challenge or if Chelsea will need to dip into the transfer market once again.

The situation raises further questions about the club’s recruitment and whether Chelsea’s current transfer strategy is truly sustainable. Spending large sums on unproven talent may not be enough to bridge the gap between them and the elite clubs. Mikel’s comments highlight the need for Chelsea to rethink their approach and possibly make key signings in the upcoming transfer windows.

For now, Chelsea fans will be hoping that Sánchez can improve his decision-making and that Jackson can develop into the prolific striker they desperately need. If not, the Blues may find themselves once again struggling to secure Champions League football, let alone mounting a title challenge.

As Chelsea continue their campaign, the scrutiny on Sánchez and Jackson will only intensify. Mikel’s words serve as both a warning and a challenge—if they cannot step up, Chelsea may be forced to look elsewhere. The question now is whether the two players have what it takes to prove him wrong.

The road back to the top will not be easy for Chelsea, but one thing is clear: mediocrity will not be tolerated. The club, the fans, and former legends like Mikel expect better, and time is running out for Sánchez and Jackson to deliver.