Angry Blues fans are used to big stars & silverware ...Rosenior is a gamble that Boehly must get right

BRIDGE THE GAP Mikel insists new boss Rosenior has to recreate a 'winning mentality' at the Bridge

- BY JOHN CROSS

CHELSEA legend John Obi Mikel fears the club is in danger of losing its winning mentality.

Mikel has warned Chelsea took “one step forward” under Enzo Maresca but “five steps backwards” by getting rid of him when they need experienced leaders on and off the pitch.

Blues boss Liam Rosenior, who takes charge of his first game at Stamford Bridge against Arsenal tonight, faces a huge task in winning over fans who have turned on co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.

Mikel, who won two Premier League titles and the Champions League in 11 years at the club, says Boehly and Eghbali must start listening to the supporters (below) and go back to buying proven winners rather than potential.

Mikel said: “Maresca built a good squad with the players that he had - young, talented players with potential and I thought he would get more time to grow with that team.

“We've taken one step forward and five steps backwards.