Mikel sets sights on new horizons

John Mikel Obi says Chelsea FC have put distance between themselves and the acute disappointment of falling at the final hurdle in last season's UEFA Champions League as they begin a new campaign determined to make amends.

'Good chance'
The Nigerian midfielder, whose importance to Chelsea has increased significantly with Michael Essien being sidelined by a knee injury, says that while the bitter experience of the Moscow defeat by Manchester United FC was profound, it is time to move on. "We all felt really bad after the game," the 21-year-old said. "We know why we lost and now we have a very good chance of getting it back. We want to start well and finish well in the competition."

Essien loss
Beginning with Tuesday's Group D home game against FC Girondins de Bordeaux, Essien could miss the entire group stage after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament playing for Ghana last week. Mikel perhaps stands to gain the most, but is keen to emphasise the bigger picture – a huge setback for Chelsea's hopes of going one better, not only in Europe but also in the Premier League. "Michael's injury is a big blow. We all feel sorry for him and wish him well in his recovery," said Mikel. "But we have to get on with our jobs and carry on playing and wait until he comes back. He's a great player and we will miss him, but we have to carry on."

Deco class
Essien may be absent but Deco has arrived in west London from FC Barcelona to boost the squad that came so close last term – and his creative skills have been a strong feature of Chelsea's first matches under Luiz Felipe Scolari. "Deco brings a lot to the team, everyone can see that from the way he plays – he gives us a lot of options in the middle," Mikel added. "Deco always wants to express himself when he's on the ball and when you have players like that, you're going to have more possession. This is what the manager says: 'Pass the ball around and wait for opportunities to come'." Chelsea hope that mantra can take them to Rome next May.