Di Matteo Hails Mikel, Explains Substitution
Posted: Nov 02, 2012
Chelsea manager, Roberto di Matteo has praised the attitude of Mikel
Obi following his display in the Blues’ 5-4 victory over Manchester
United at Stamford Bridge in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.
The midfielder played 46 minutes of the game before he was substituted with Brazilian midfielder, Ramires taking his place.
Mikel had been under intense media scrutiny in recent days following allegations that referee, Mark Clattenburg used “inappropriate language” at him during Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Many questioned di Matteo’s decision to start the player against United just days after Sunday’s controversial game but the Italian said he never had any doubt the former FC Lyn-Oslo man would cope just fine.
“I had no doubts in my mind about his attitude and his frame of mind for the game (against United) and I was proved right. He did very well,” di Matteo said.
The Chelsea trainer also took the time to explain the decision to substitute Mikel just after the break.
“It had nothing to do with (Mikel’s) frame of mind. He was already on a yellow card at that point and we didn’t want to take any risks.
“Also we had to change some things tactically and that was why I brought on Ramires in his place,” he said.
The midfielder played 46 minutes of the game before he was substituted with Brazilian midfielder, Ramires taking his place.
Mikel had been under intense media scrutiny in recent days following allegations that referee, Mark Clattenburg used “inappropriate language” at him during Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Many questioned di Matteo’s decision to start the player against United just days after Sunday’s controversial game but the Italian said he never had any doubt the former FC Lyn-Oslo man would cope just fine.
“I had no doubts in my mind about his attitude and his frame of mind for the game (against United) and I was proved right. He did very well,” di Matteo said.
The Chelsea trainer also took the time to explain the decision to substitute Mikel just after the break.
“It had nothing to do with (Mikel’s) frame of mind. He was already on a yellow card at that point and we didn’t want to take any risks.
“Also we had to change some things tactically and that was why I brought on Ramires in his place,” he said.
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