John Obi Mikel says Chelsea have improved since Jose Mourinho's exit

John Obi Mikel believes the atmosphere at Chelsea has improved since Jose Mourinho's departure from Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho was sacked by the club earlier this month following a dismal run of form which saw the champions lose nine of their 16 Premier League matches.
Guus Hiddink has been handed the reins on an interim basis for a second time following a successful three-month spell in 2009 in which the Dutchman lifted the FA Cup.

Guus Hiddink won the FA Cup during his first spell at Chelsea

"He hasn't changed much yet, but he was here before and he knows the place and all the staff," said Mikel.
"The players are different - only me and [John Terry] were here before - but he knows what to do.
"We're down there in the table for a reason so he can't come in and perform miracles, but we want to get out of there. We've had three games now without losing so are making the right steps.
"I've been as confused as everyone else. It's difficult when you're not playing, as you don't really know what the problems are. It was a collective thing - the players and the manager were not performing.

Jose Mourinho led the Blues to title glory last season but left the Bridge with the club 16th in the Premier League

"We've moved on from that and the atmosphere has improved since the change of manager. 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."

Mikel, meanwhile, thinks a top-four finish is still within Chelsea's grasp despite the huge points differential.
"I don't think it's gone yet," he said. "We've got a lot of games left to play and points to catch up. If we keep going in this direction and keep keeping clean sheets then we'll definitely score goals."