Mikel Slams Chelsea Boss Maresca for ‘Poor Substitutions’ in Shock Sunderland Defeat

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has criticised manager Enzo Maresca for what he described as “poor decision-making” during the Blues’ 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland on Sunday — a loss that saw the club slip to ninth place in the Premier League table.

Chelsea started brightly, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Alejandro Garnacho, but goals from Wilson Isidor and Chemsdine Talbi turned the game on its head, leaving fans frustrated at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel expressed his disappointment with Maresca’s late substitutions, particularly the decision to withdraw Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto while Chelsea were pushing for a winner.

“I think the manager will be very disappointed with how we lost the game,” Mikel said. “I’ve never been critical of Enzo Maresca, I’m a big fan of his. But when you’re chasing a game at 1-1, at home, you can’t take off your best players.”

The former Nigeria international stressed that even if key attackers were underperforming, their experience and creativity could still prove decisive.

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“Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto might not have been at their best, but you leave those players on — they can find a way to create something,” he added. “After those substitutions, the game went flat. There was nothing left going forward.”

Mikel also questioned the timing of introducing young players like Jamie Gittens and Tyrique George, insisting such substitutions are better suited to less pressured situations.

“You don’t bring in those young players when you’re chasing a tight game. Bring them in when we’re winning — when there’s less pressure,” he advised.

Chelsea will hope to bounce back from the setback when they travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in their next Premier League fixture, following their Carabao Cup tie against Wolves on Wednesday.