Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has advised midfield ace Mikel Obi to ignore calls for him to move away from England and instead fight for his position in Chelsea.
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There had been fears that Mikel would not fit into new coach Jose Mourinho's plans and should therefore move elsewhere to bolster his career.
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But Keshi believes that Mikel should be able to hold his own in the star-studded Chelsea squad, pointing out that going elsewhere would be defeatist.
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"I don't support the idea that Mikel should leave Chelsea to a club he would have regular playing time," Keshi told Complete Sports. "No, no he should stay and fight for his place in the team.
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"Mikel has gone through all that before and came out smoking. He has what it takes to take charge of the defensive midfield of Chelsea. He has quality and I don't think Jose Mourinho can afford to ignore him.
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"Mikel is not finished yet. He has many more years to play and I don't see a better central midfield player in Chelsea than Mikel. Playing for Chelsea would be better for him so he should sta," Keshi opined.
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It would be recalled that Mikel was relegated to the bench during the era of Ancheloti but fought back to regain his place under Di Matio.
Stephen Keshi is definately right with this one cos I feel Mikel Obi's career would boost the more if he is in Chelsea....He should stay there!