We’ve put cup final heartache behind us, insists Mikel

MIKEL JOHN OBI claims Chelsea’s players have talked their Carling Cup final defeat out of their systems as they prepare to return to Barclays Premier League action against West Ham tomorrow.

The Nigerian international played the full 120 minutes against Tottenham at Wembley last Sunday – and despite a training-ground row between Henk ten Cate and captain John Terry the day before the final, Mikel says the spirit in the squad remains upbeat.

Chelsea were beaten 2-1 in extra-time – and while the preparation for the final may have been hampered by speculation over the involvement of Terry and England colleague Frank Lampard, Mikel says the players are determined to make sure they win some silverware this term.

Mikel said: “We just have to put what has happened behind us and make sure we move forward, and everything from here goes well.

“We had a talk among ourselves as players and we know we could have done better in the cup final. It was obviously disappointing, so we have to make sure we come back victorious.”

Coach Avram Grant was criticised for his final preparation and his team selection – leaving Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Salomon Kalou out of the starting line-up.

But Mikel, who has so far made 29 appearances this season, insists he appreciates the problems faced by Grant and his coaching staff when it comes to picking the team from a host of star players.

Mikel added: “There is a lot of competition in the team now, and you have to know you can’t play every game. There are a lot of big players, good players.

“We have to go to Upton Park and make sure we play well and take the three points.”

The last occasion Chelsea played West Ham, the game was marked by both a 1-0 victory and a major appearance milestone for Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.

He played his 200th game for the club during nine seasons at Stamford Bridge. But the Italian lost his number one status in the summer of 2004, when both coach Jose Mourinho and goalkeeper Petr Cech arrived at Chelsea.

Despite losing his place, Cudicini has stayed loyal to the club when he could have easily moved on. “The supporters are probably one of the biggest reasons,” he explains. “Of course, it was difficult at first to sit on the bench every game – but when I had the chance, the supporters gave me great confidence and help.

“Still now when I play and hear them behind me, chanting my name, after nine years I feel shivers and a great feeling to play.”