Mikel Obi has revealed why Chelsea rejected John Terry's offer to serve as interim coach for the remainder of the season following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior. Chelsea parted ways with Rosenior after just 107 days in charge, having lost five consecutive Premier League matches without scoring a goal. The club appointed Calum McFarlane as interim manager for the second time this season, a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
John Terry's Offer Turned Down
According to reports, Chelsea legend John Terry volunteered to take over as interim manager, but the club's hierarchy turned him down. This was the second time Terry was overlooked for the role, as he had also been passed over in January when McFarlane first stepped in after Enzo Maresca's resignation. McFarlane won his first game in his second stint, guiding Chelsea to an FA Cup final victory over Leeds United, setting up a clash with Manchester City.
Mikel Obi Explains the Snub
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel Obi shared his thoughts on why BlueCo, Chelsea's ownership group, rejected Terry. "JT is my mate, you know he's my friend. The one thing with JT is that you cannot control JT; he's not a yes man," Mikel said. He emphasized that Terry, often called Mr. Chelsea, bleeds blue and is exactly what the club needs in its current dire situation.
Mikel questioned the decision, saying, "Would he have been the best appointment till the end of the season? Maybe, why not? Why not give it to JT? Why not give it to Mr. Chelsea? The one person that actually bleeds blue, he is blue, he is Mr. Chelsea." He described Terry as a unifying figure who could bring calmness, positivity, and direction to a club in disarray.
Mikel's Call for Terry's Involvement
Mikel urged the club to reconsider involving Terry with the first team in some capacity. "The club overlooked him the first time, and they've done that again this time. If we want to get back to who we were, I think in some capacity I would like to see him being involved with the first team," he concluded. Another former teammate, Frank Lampard, currently manages Coventry City and is not under consideration.
Chelsea's Managerial Search Continues
In related news, Chelsea have contacted Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola about the vacant managerial position. Iraola is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season after three years, and the Blues have made initial inquiries about his plans for the next campaign. The search for a permanent manager remains ongoing as Chelsea look to end a disappointing season on a positive note.
