Nigerian midfielder dismisses Europa League campaign.
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Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has dismissed the Europa League according to The Guardian.
The player is reported to have branded the competition as ‘Thursday nights, Channel 5’ and said that he could not wait for the club to return to the ‘prime time’ with Champions League football.
Chelsea are currently locked in a battle for a top four finish with their London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.
Their 2-1 win over Sunderland at the weekend saw the club overtake Tottenham and return to 3rd in the Premier League albeit on goal difference. Chelsea can extend their lead further though should they win their game in hand.
Chelsea know the importance of securing Champions League football if they want to be able to attract the game’s top managers to Stamford Bridge.
Current Real Madrid boss and fans’ favourite to take over at Stamford Bridge Jose Mourinho has already warned the club that he will consider the post should the club be playing in Europe’s elite club competition.
Interim manager Rafa Benitez has not been a popular choice with the fans and Mikel went on to question the Spaniard’s rotation policy. Mikel questioned the wisdom of dropping fully fit players when they are in good form.