Maresca's exit came as a surprise to many, following a brief but successful stint in which he restored trophies and European prestige to west London, only for a misunderstanding with the club's board to lead to his dismissal.

The Italian coach enjoyed a fruitful period in charge of the team, winning the Conference League and the Club World Cup while ensuring the Blues were well on course to qualify for the Champions League. However, a poor run of one victory in their final seven Premier League games was the catalyst for the board's decision.

Liam Rosenior was quickly appointed as his successor, and although the former Strasbourg coach initially improved results, recent stumbles against Leeds and Burnley have led club icons such as Mikel to question whether the right path is being followed at Stamford Bridge.

On the Obi One podcast, Mikel was unequivocal in his assessment of his former club's current situation. The Nigerian, who spent more than a decade in west London, expressed his disbelief at the decision to part ways with a coach who had modernized the team's playing style.

He suggested the foundations built under the previous regime have been discarded too hastily, leaving the squad in a state of transition that has stalled their momentum in the top-four race.

"We had Enzo Maresca. I've said it before; I think it was a huge mistake to sack him. It's ridiculous," Mikel said on the Obi One podcast. "Yes, a coach who won us the Club World Cup, won us the Conference League; we had a certain identity in the way we played. We took one step forward, and we've gone five back. Liam has come in and won games, but something is missing. Something isn't quite right." 

Rosenior's honeymoon period appears to be over following frustrating results against Burnley and Leeds. Chelsea drew 1-1 with Burnley in a game where Wesley Fofana was sent off, and squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Leeds.

These dropped points have proved costly in the tight race for Champions League qualification, allowing rivals to close the gap and increasing scrutiny on Rosenior's tactical approach as the season enters its final stretch.

Despite criticism from former players like Mikel, Rosenior has maintained a solid points-per-game average since arriving in London. However, the lack of a clear "identity" – a recurring theme in Mikel's critique – has left the fan base restless.

The former midfielder's insistence that the club has taken "five steps back" reflects a growing concern that the tactical progress made during Maresca's tenure has been sacrificed for short-term pragmatism that is now beginning to falter.

Roundtablesports is Free to join! You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers. 

Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favorite teams and news!