“Massive achievement” – Mikel Obi credits Chelsea’s coach for Champions League qualification

Ex-Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has praised Enzo Maresca for helping his former club side qualify for the UEFA Champions League, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Blues finished in 6th place last season under Mauricio Pochettino, and that could only secure them a place in the UEFA Conference League.

A year later, the two-time UEFA Europa League winners are in the UEFA Conference League final, and have qualified for the UEFA Champions League next term after sealing a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the English Premier League season, ending in 4th place.

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Mikel, who won several titles at Stamford Bridge, gave full credit to Chelsea's players and staff for defying the odds against a Nottingham Forest side that overachieved this season.

“It was a game we needed to win, and we did that. Credit to the boys, the manager and everybody. For me, this is an achievement, this is success. We've had a great season, and now we just need to finish it in the Conference League final, which, for me, if we lose or win, either is fine.”

“Maresca has done an amazing job, an incredible job with such a young team to be able to pull it off. It's a massive achievement. I think the board will look at it and admit it's a successful season.”

“Now, we have to build from here. It's going to be a tough campaign next season, and we have to be prepared. For a young club like ours, the sky is the limit. We need to improve the squad in the necessary positions, and the club know that. We have to be ready for all the competitions we'll be playing,” the 2013 AFCON winner said on the Obi One Podcast.

Chelsea can end their season with silverware tonight if they defeat Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League.