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Antonio Conte slammed: Manager reveals talks with Chelsea director Michael Emenalo
NIGERIA coach Gernot Rohr has criticised Chelsea boss Antonio Conte over his treatment of long-serving midfielder Mikel John Obi.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte set to stick to same formation
Mikel is the second-longest serving Chelsea midfielder at the club behind John Terry but has been frozen out by Antonio Conte this season.
The Nigeria international has not made a single appearance for the Blues this term and has accepted a role as a fringe player.
However, Rohr has claimed Conte's treatment of the 29-year-old is unjust as he has raised concerns with Chelsea director Michael Emenalo.
Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr is not happy with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte's treatment of Mikel John Obi
Mikel John Obi is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea this season
"There is a reason why Mikel is not playing for Chelsea right now and that's because he played for Nigeria at the Olympics," Rohr said.
"The new coach [Conte] tried convincing him to stay but he went to defend his nation.
"I cannot punish a player who loves his country and shows that he loves the green jersey.
"I spoke about this with Mikel and the club's technical director [Emenalo].
"Mikel is still training very well and he plays games in training with the big players at Chelsea."
Mikel himself has accepted his Chelsea days are numbered and the midfielder discussed this week the possibility of a January exit.
Mikel John Obi has been with Chelsea for 10 years
"We will wait and see what happens in January," Mikel told ESPN.
"For the first time in my career, this is happening to me and I have to stand up and deal with it.
"Managers come and go, players come and go. I've been at Chelsea a long time and these things happen in football."
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