The tactician claims Blues have destroyed his offensive instincts
The newly appointed Nigeria coach, Samson Siasia, has slammed Premier League champions Chelsea for destroying the attacking instincts of midfielder Jon Obi Mikel.
Five years ago, the now 23-year-old Mikel was considered as the second best player at the Under-20 World Cup behind Barcelona linchpin Lionel Messi.
But according to Siasia, Mikel, who is expected to play a big role in the Super Eagles African Nations Cup qualifying campaign, has lost most of his offensive instincts
"The system in Chelsea actually destroyed Mikel's game. Mikel is an offensive player, but when he moved to Chelsea, they changed him because they had a better player offensive wise like Frank Lampard who can score goals," Siasia said.
"I don't think he is playing in his natural position because we all saw what Mikel played in 2005 and everybody loved him for what he did, he can keep the ball and create chances for the strikers to score goals.
"That was why Chelsea actually gave him a contract, but getting there they had two top players, Lampard and Michael Ballack.
"Lampard scores goals and so what (Jose) Mourinho did was to bring Mikel back because how many goals has Mikel scored? He brought him back so that Lampard and Ballack played offensive.
Siasia said for Mikel to get his swagger back, he needs to go forward more often
"Mikel is a fantastic player, but if you want to be a great player, you have to take risks, do something extra," said the new Eagles coach.
"As a defensive midfielder, you do not have to do much; you just win the ball and pass to the other player. The offensive player takes on more responsibilities.
"(Michael) Essien scores goals from defensive positions, why can't Mikel take the kind of chances that Essien takes? If you don't shoot, you will never score.
"You keep passing those short balls, but sometimes you need to take a little bit of risk. That is what is missing in Mikel's game."
The Nigeria coach advised Mikel to quit Stamford Bridge if it would be impossible for him to be a great deal more offensive.
"He has to start playing more offensive to become the Mikel we knew. But if it would be difficult to change the way he is playing, he has to move to another club," Siasia said.
