‘We’re more relaxed’ :

The Nigerian has been given a new lease of life under the Dutchman, and had one ofhis finest hours yesterday, getting a standing ovation from the entire stadium as he left the pitch.A bit of a cult figure for his near-pathological inability to score goals, Mikel has suddenly become a very important player for Chelsea in recent weeks.It’s quite a turnaround for the Nigerian, who was given short shrift by previous boss Jose Mourinho, under whom he spent most of his time on the bench.He believes Hiddink more laissez-faire approach has benefited the dressing room, saying he likes how he doesn’t get in people’s business.Which makes Mourinho sound like a bit of a ‘busy fuc**er’ by implication, to quote Jaap Stam.It’s an interesting revelation from Mikel, especially considering the general omerta surrounding Mourinho at the Bridge.‘From day one, since Guus has come in, the atmosphere has changed.‘The players feel more relaxed, people know what their jobs are and people are getting on with their jobs in a more relaxedway.And a way they can perform very well.He has given responsibility to people and expects them to thrive on it and make surethey do it in way where they feel comfortable. I think that is what the players are showing now.‘When you come into the training ground, the players are more relaxed, he doesn’t get into people’s business, he gets on withhis own thing and players feel very comfortable and know exactly what to do so when he gets on the training pitch, he doesn’t need to speak.‘We all know what he wants and it is the same when we go into a game.