Mourinho puts faith in Mikel

12 April 2012

Jose Mourinho has challenged teenage midfielder John Obi Mikel to prove he has shed an unwanted bad-boy image.

The Nigerian started his first Champions League match for Chelsea against Werder Bremen, as the Blues qualified for the knockout stages despite losing to Per Mertesacker's 27th-minute header.

"I think he is going in the right direction. Now he's got to stay doing that because when he does so I want to help him," said Mourinho.

Mikel was sent off against Reading in the Barclays Premiership in October but Mourinho was more concerned by his poor timekeeping and life off the field.

The Chelsea boss axed the 19-year-old from his squad for over a month but the teenager responded with a full apology and a promise to mend his ways.

Mikel was welcomed back into the Chelsea 'family' for the Premiership victory over West Ham last weekend before being handed a place in the side against Bremen.

Mourinho added: "At least he is never late now. I think he has realised what he has to do.

"But my doubt now is if he realises that for the next month or for the rest of his career. That's my doubt. I have to wait and see. But at this moment, his reaction has been positive.

"You have to give players chances in relation to what they do on the pitch and if they are not trying or not performing or behaving, they have to feel it.

"The best way to feel it is for them to sit on the bench, in the stands or at home."

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