Mikel: I can replace Makelele

MIKEL JOHN OBI is confident he can take over from Claude Makelele in the Chelsea midfield after the departure of the veteran Frenchman.

Following his controversial move to Chelsea in June 2006, 21-year-old Mikel has only fulfilled a role as a squad player at Stamford Bridge.

But after being handed the holding midfield role during Wednesday’s pre-season friendly victory in China, new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s first game in charge, the Nigerian is now ready to take his chance after Makelele departed for Paris St

Germain earlier this week.

“I played that role sometimes last season and hopefully I’ll have a long run in the team now,” he said.

“It’s something I’ve wanted – a run in the team – and I suppose Claude’s departure has opened up that door for me, but I was playing in that role when I was in the team last season too.

“I was in and out of the team last season, but when I was given a chance under (former manager Jose) Mourinho before, I actually did okay in that holding role. I think I did very well under Mourinho and was playing regularly.

“Of course, when a new manager comes in everyone has to start afresh and roll up their sleeves. In Avram Grant’s time I was in and out of the side, and that was a bit frustrating, but it’s what happens in football.

“This time, under the new boss, I will try to make it my position in the team each week.”

Last season Mikel continued to mature in the Chelsea midfield and actually made more appearances than Makelele – possibly a factor in the decision to release the 35-year-old Frenchman for a swansong in Paris.

With a spot now lying vacant in the Chelsea midfield, it is up to Mikel to impress Scolari and win a starting berth in time for the Premier League opener against Portsmouth on August 17, and then more importantly hold on to the role.

“I’m loving playing under the new manager, even if it’s largely been in training so far, but we’ll see what happens when the season proper starts. We’ll see how it goes,” said Mikel.

“I think he’s a good man. From what I’ve seen, he’s got a good character and speaks to his players regularly, asking how we feel and, if we have a problem, how he can help us in any way. Overall I think he’s a good manager. He’s impressive.’’

Mikel will get another chance to impress Scolari in tomorrow’s friendly against Chinese Super League side Chengdu Blades in Macau.