John Mikel Obi insists he is relishing the pressure of anchoring Chelsea's midfield in the absence of the injured Michael Essien. The 21-year-old Nigerian is now determined to repay boss Scolari's faith in him by helping the club to win some trophies this season.

"The coach said to me 'you are this team - when you don't play well, the team doesn't play well'," said Mikel.

"So I felt big, big pressure after that but it means I go out there to make sure the team plays well and wins.

"It puts pressure on me but good pressure because I think it shows he's pleased with me and thinks I can live up to the task.

"All I have to do is keep going and keep doing the right things and at the end of the season, I can look back and say 'I didn't disappoint him'.

"Football is all about belief and I think Scolari has belief in me."