Former Enugu Rangers and Eagles defender, Kingley Onye is unhappy
with the current form of the Super Eagles following the recent spate of
unfavourable results.Onye who played for the Flying Eagles team at the FIFA World Youth Championship, held in the then Soviet Union (USSR) in 1985 also spoke about the importance of Mikel Obi and Michael Emenalo in Chelsea team.
A lot has been said about Mikel’s transfer issue in Chelsea. Do you think Jose Mourinho is willing to release him yet?
Mikel is a fantastic player but he is not getting plenty of match time because Chelsea have a great squad. His recent injury problem is another factor that has reduced his chances of getting a regular shirt. I think Mikel is in Chelsea because the coach wants him.
Do you mean that Jose Mourinho is willing to keep Mikel in Chelsea for as long as possible?
First, if a coach believes that you are not in his plan for the season, he is likely to loan you out or put the player in the transfer market. Mourinho didn’t take either option against Mikel despite the rumours of him moving to Italy, Turkey and the rest. I think Mikel is part of his plans, little wonder Mikel is featured in big matches because of his experience.
Some people believe that that Michael Emenalo’s influence in Chelsea may also be a strong reason why Mikel is still with the club.
No, never! It doesn’t work like that. Emenalo is Roman Abrahamovic’s right hand man but he doesn’t have any reason to be involved in Mikel’s issues. Emenalo’s presence is not a major factor. The coach decides whom he wants in the team. Mikel could be waiting to become a free agent so that he can make more money from his next transfer deal. He will get more money as a free agent because of better negotiation and the chance to speak directly with the prospective clubs.
And also make more money in the English premier league?
No, I don’t think any of the top premiership sides would like to sign him because he has stayed a long time in Chelsea. English premier league is lucrative. His value has gone down.
But some top European teams are rumoured to want him?
Yes, because his style suits their league. If he decides to leave, I think the Italian league would be his best option.
You said that Micheal Emenalo is Roman Abrahamovic’s right hand man but he seems to be quiet and not much is heard about him.
Yes, Emenalo is influential in Chelsea. He has a strong relationship with the owner. Abrahamovic wants Emenalo to remain with club. He may not be in the picture but he earns more and holds a bigger role than what people think.
Emenalo was closer to Avram Grant but Mourinho had issues with him when he returned to Chelsea?
People can have issues. Chelsea fans were not impressed with Rafael Benitez hence they called for his removal. Emenalo and I have been friends for more than two decades now and I can tell you that he is such a nice person to work and live with. We shared the same room in Enugu Rangers and we share a lot in common....expdonaloaded.blogspot.com
You seem to believe so much in Emenalo’s ability
Yes, I do. Not only me. Rafael Benitez and Avram Grant also like him. He was also an assistant coach to Ancellotti. He came to Chelsea through Avram Grant who happened to be his coach in Maccabi Tel Aviv. Emenalo and Grant had a solid relationship in Israel, then, Avram Grant recommended him to Roman Abrahamovic and that’s how he into got into Chelsea.
Emenalo was promoted from his position as chief scout to assistant first team coach on 18 November 2010. In 2011, Chelsea appointed Emenalo Technical Director and his responsibilities include heading the scouting and academy programs.
You have mentioned a lot of top foreign coaches, what is your opinion about the Super Eagles?
I am not happy about the present situation. It’s quite sad that Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2015 African cup of nations despite winning the competition in 2013. It shows a lack of continuity in the process.
What is your advice on this?
Nigeria needs a foreign coach in the senior national team. We also need to allow the foreign technical adviser to work with the youth teams for developmental reasons.
What of Emenalo?
No, I don’t think he would like the job. Emenalo would not like to accept Nigeria’s job
Currently, Emenalo advises Abrahamovic and the Russian Billionaire respects his views. No can keep him away from Chelsea because the owner likes him a lot, they are like five and six. Emenalo is indispensable to Chelsea, he is the Barometer in the club.
Which of the foreign coaches would you like to recommend?
Sam Alladyce is a good coach. I’ll suggest Nigeria should go for him. Ruud Gullit is another great tactician. There are many of them but for the African style of play and our football mentality, I believe strongly that any of those two will do well in the Nigerian national team. Nigeria needs a foreign coach if we want to win any major tournament and be reckoned with in World football. Keshi is not the answer now.
Does it mean that you don’t believe in Nigerian coaches?
For me, Tunde Disu is the best player manager in Nigeria. His man-management skill is undoubtedly great. I think, he should be the coach of the Super Eagles. He is good enough for the job.
Are you still involved in football in any way?
I am into football scouting and also have taxicabs for hire here in London. I am working on a project that may bring me back to Nigeria very soon. We want to discover raw talents, under 16 players are my targets.
What about your family?
I am married with two beautiful daughters, 23 and 18 years.
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