Mikel reckons Chelsea are happier now than they were under Jose

John Obi Mikel believes resurgent Chelsea are proving they are far happier now that Guus Hiddink has succeeded Jose Mourinho.

The Nigeria midfielder, who starred in Sunday’s devastating FA Cup win over under-strength Manchester City, said: “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 relaxed way.

“He doesn’t get into people’s business, he gets on with his own thing and players feel very comfortable.”

The Blues’ 5-1 demolition of City to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals means they have lost just one of their 14 games since Mourinho was sacked in December.

Under Mourinho, Chelsea were beaten in 10 of their 24 games between August and December. Players such as Diego Costa and Eden Hazard also publicly fell out with the Special One.

Hazard, however, had a hand in three goals and scored a fourth in Sunday’s win over City.

Costa also hit his ninth goal in 13 games since Mourinho’s departure - compared to four in five months under the Portuguese.

Mikel added: “You can see Diego. It takes a lot to get Diego in a good mood!

“Guus has given responsibility to people and expects them to thrive on it and make sure they do it in way that they feel comfortable.

“I think that is what the players are showing, now.

“We know exactly what to do so when he gets on the training pitch, he doesn’t need to speak. It is the same when we go into a game.

“When he gets upset he tries to clear the air straight away. He speaks to whoever is involved and lets you know what you have done is wrong.

“This football club is bigger than anyone and he puts the record straight, right away. He does not hold grudges. It is finished – and we move on.”

Mourinho is expected to return to the Premier League with Manchester United, succeeding Louis van Gaal.

But Mikel, set to earn a new deal following his inspired displays under Hiddink, would love the interim coach to stay.

The Dutchman has made it clear that he will leave at the end of the season. But Mikel said: “Obviously, definitely I want him to stay. It is the choice of the owner, the club and the board.

“They will have to decide. But if you speak to the players, 98 or 99 per cent of them want him to stay so I mean, we are very happy, we are performing well and let’s hope this continues.

“It depends on the board and it depends on Guus if he wants to continue. He has said that he is here until the end of the season but you never know, he might change his mind. If the club want to appoint him fair enough. His record speaks for itself.”