Let’s get dirty to win-Mikel screams to team mates

Mikel Obi has warned Chelsea “fantasy football" will get them nowhere this season if they forget to do the basics.

  

Last season's Champions League victory was built on solid defence, but Roberto Di Matteo has introduced a more expansive style this season.

  

“Last year we were very compact and we fought for each other, defending together. This year we want to play fantasy football, but sometimes it's about putting in a shift and working hard together,” Mikel told Chelsea official website.

  

“It's the same job for everyone, it's the same role for me keeping the balance, keeping the shape, and it's a harder role this year.”

  

Mikel said he believes a fortnight's break from competitive action will help the team recover from the battering by Atletico Madrid in Monaco.

  

Chelsea were soundly beaten in Monaco by the Europa League champions, who were four goals to the good before Gary Cahill's late consolation, but with an international break now to come Mikel is hoping “it will be out of our collective system before a visit to QPR on September 15”.

  

“I think the break will help us, to get a rest and we can keep on working from there,' the midfielder said.

  

“It's a kick in the backside and we have to take it, get our heads up and make sure it doesn't happen again.

  

“'It is something we all can't describe. We didn't view it as a friendly game, we prepared like every game and went through the details. It was one of those games where after 20 minutes you are 2-0 down and chasing the game, but we have to go back and make sure this doesn't happen again. Everyone loses games but not in the manner we did.”