room has improved, just three games after the sacking of Jose
Mourinho.
Blues interim manager Guus Hiddink claimed after his side's 0-0 draw
against Manchester United that he had already lifted spirits at
Stamford Bridge since succeeding Mourinho, who was often publicly
critical of his players towards the end of his reign.
And Chelsea midfielder Mikel believes the departure of the Portuguese
has resulted in an end to what technical director Michael
Emenalo described as a 'palpable discord' between the former manager
and his players.
"We've moved on from that and the atmosphere has improved since the
change of manager," he said. "It's fine now, we've just not been
getting results.
"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.
"Is it the right decision? Who knows? We'll only see in the future."
Chelsea have moved to 14th position in the league after remaining
unbeaten over the festive period thus far, but clambering up to the
Champions League places remains a pipe dream with the Blues still 15
points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham.
Despite the long road ahead, Nigerian international Mikel is refusing
to throw in the towel just yet.
"Top four? I don't think it's gone,' added the 28-year-old, who made
his 350th appearance for the Blues in the 2-2 draw against Watford on
Boxing Day.
"We've got lots of games to catch up and if we keep going in this
direction and keeping clean sheets, we will definitely score goals.
"We've had three games now without losing so are making the right steps."
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