Mikel may pay the price for defeat to Roma

CHELSEA MANAGER Luiz Felipe Scolari has provided the biggest hint yet that John Mikel Obi may pay the price for his disastrous night in Rome.

Mikel was at fault for two of the goals in Chelsea's 3-1 Champions League defeat at the hands of struggling Roma on Wednesday night and his starting place against Blackburn tomorrow has come under threat from Brazilian veteran Mineiro.

The 33-year-old former Hertha Berlin player was officially unveiled by Scolari before the players jetted off for the north of England amid speculation that he will make his first start for the Blues at Ewood Park.

However, Mineiro refused to reveal whether he would be in the starting line-up on Sunday.

"Other players are my allies, not my opponents. I'm not trying to fight against them for a place," said Mineiro. "We are a group, it's all about the team and doing the best for the team.

"I first heard about Chelsea's interest two months ago, I was very happy because I wasn't playing at the time and it was a great opportunity for me to come here and show my work. I'm really happy I'm here and have this opportunity now.

"When we talk about a group we talk about a group playing together, everybody who is fit and playing well will have an opportunity to play. I want to be in the best form I can because that's what the manager expects of us, to be always ready when he needs us for the team."

Mineiro was signed on a free transfer from the German side when Scolari lost the services of Michael Essien with knee ligament damage earlier this season.

Brazilian Scolari has already likened his style of play to that of their former defensive midfielder Claude Makelele and he may well decide to give him a chance to shine in that role against Rovers.

The holding position in front of the defence has been largely in the hands of Mikel since Essien suffered his injury. But now Mineiro is fully fit, Mikel's blunders against Roma may have ultimately cost him his place. Mineiro had plenty of offers during the summer, including one from London rivals Arsenal, as well as the chance to stay in Berlin. But he could not resist the chance to work with Scolari at Stamford Bridge.

"Every coach has their own way of working and at that time the Hertha coach thought maybe I wasn't right for the team he was trying to build," said Mineiro.

"They did offer me an extension to my contract even if I wasn't playing. But that's in the past, what is gone is gone. I'm very happy to be here instead."

Mineiro is understandably full of respect and admiration for Scolari, even though he never worked with him when the Chelsea coach was in charge of Brazil.

"He's someone who is very well respected and loved by Brazilians," added Mineiro. "Everywhere I go people ask about him and ask me to send their regards. He's here to give his best and do a wonderful job for Chelsea and that's what I'm here for as well, to do my best and show my capabilities. I'm sure it's going to be fine.

"European football is very different to Brazilian football but I believe the English game is similar to Germany.

"We know the Premier League is one of the most sought after in the world because it's like playing in a national team, you have the best players in the world playing in the league.

"In this league you have to be serious, dedicated and professional because you are competing with the best in the world. I want to be here as long as I can and be part of the history of Chelsea."

Chelsea are without left-back Ashley Cole (calf) plus Essien (knee) and fellow midfielder Michael Ballack (foot) for the trip to Blackburn.