Former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has urged Chelsea to appoint Filipe Luís as their next permanent manager, as uncertainty continues to surround the club’s leadership structure.
The Blues are once again in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with Liam Rosenior, with Calum McFarlane currently overseeing first-team duties on an interim basis.
Instability raises concerns over Chelsea role
Chelsea’s managerial turnover has intensified scrutiny on the club’s direction since the BlueCo takeover in 2022. The London side have now dismissed multiple managers within a short period, raising doubts about long-term stability.
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel questioned the appeal of the role to elite managers, citing uncertainty behind the scenes.
“There is no top manager that will want to come to Chelsea right now and takeover this job because you never know. You have absolutely zero idea what’s happening. We need a manager, not a coach.”
He stressed the need for authority at the helm, adding:
“We’ve been successful in the past because we had managers… Someone who will be like ‘this is my football club and I’m gonna manage everything’.”
Filipe Luís emerges as preferred option
While names like Andoni Iraola and Cesc Fàbregas have been linked, Mikel expressed reservations about their suitability under Chelsea’s current structure.
Instead, he singled out former teammate Filipe Luís, highlighting his tactical identity and work with Flamengo.
“On Filipe Luis, he is a fantastic manager and his team played fantastic football… There was a clear structure, playing with purpose.”
He concluded with a clear endorsement:
“Maybe it’s too early, but of all the three managers mentioned… I’ll probably say Filipe Luis.”
Chelsea’s immediate focus now shifts to the FA Cup Final against Manchester City, as the club continues its search for stability ahead of next season.
