Mikel says Mourinho sacking has lifted Chelsea

John Obi Mikel admits Guus Hiddink has already improved the atmosphere at Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho was sacked by Roman Abramovich on December 17 after he lost the dressing.

Technical director Michael Emenalo described it as a ‘palpable discord’ between Mourinho and the players after losing nine games from 16 and sitting 16th just months after winning the title.

Hiddink was brought in until the end of the season and has overseen a 3-1 win over Sunderland (from the stands) and draws against Watford and Manchester United.

And Mikel, who started at Old Trafford, reveals a cloud has been lifted.

“We’ve moved on and the atmosphere has improved since the change of manager. It’s fine now, we’ve just not been getting results,” he said.

“Jose is a fantastic manager and will always be a fantastic guy. But sometimes football is a cruel game and you have to move on.

“He came back to the club a second time and won two trophies but now he’s gone and we have to move on.

“Is it the right decision? Who knows? We’ll only see in the future.

“He [Hiddink] hasn’t changed much yet but he was here before and he knows the place and all the staff.

“The players are different – only me and John Terry were here before – but he knows what to do.

“We’re down there in the table for a reason so he can’t come in and perform miracles but we want to get out of there and climb the table.

“We’ve had three games now without losing so are making the right steps.”