Gernot Rohr
The Super Eagles technical adviser has words for Chelsea’s manager Conte over Mikel’s lack of football at Stamford Bridge adding it is a punishment because the Eagles captain played at the Olympics.
Mikel
John Mikel Obi has not played a single minute of football this season for Chelsea , with Chelsea coach Antonio Conte preferring the likes of Kante , Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, Loftus Cheek and Oscar to Mikel Obi .
Nigeria ’s chief technical adviser Gernot Rohr has blasted Chelsea coach , saying he is punishing the Nigerian captain for missing out on pre -season preparations with Chelsea as he helped Nigeria ’s U -23 team win the Rio 2016 Olympics football Bronze medal.
“I can never punish a player because he played for his country, and I am not happy with what is happening to Mikel at his club because he is my captain .’ Rohr told journalists at a press conference in Uyo .
”The only thing that has not made Mikel to play for Chelsea this season is because he went with the U 23 team that won bronze at the 2016 Olympics games, and that is why he is being punished ” the Super Eagles coach said .
”He has not featured under the new coach , Conte , since then. But I will still build the team playing against Algeria around him because he is in a good shape and fit for the match.
“Besides , Mikel is committed to the national team and he is a source of motivation to the other players. ”.
