Lagos - Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel says the atmosphere at the club is much better at the moment with interim manager, Guus Hiddink than it was under Jose Mourinho.

The 28-year old is only one of three players from the current Chelsea squad who were at the club the last time Hiddink was in charge – also in an interim capacity – and says the atmosphere in their dressing room has improved since Mourinho was given the boot.

“We've moved on from that and the atmosphere has improved since the change of manager,” Mikel 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.”

The Nigeria international, along with Captain John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic, are the only players from the present squad who worked with Hiddink when the Dutchman first took charge of the club in 2009.

Speaking on their expectations for the season, Mikel remained adamant they still have a chance of making the top four.

“Top four? I don't think it's gone,” he said.

“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.”