Tianjin Teda Ponder Converting Nigeria Captain Mikel Into A Central Defender

Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda are in the worst form heading into the 2017 season, having lost seven of their warm-up matches.

In their latest preparation game, the ‎Jaime Pacheco-led side lost 3-0 to South Korean club Ulsan Hyundai, it is now obvious that they are weak and the fans are demanding explanations for this slump.

Tianjin Teda had the second worst defense in the Chinese Super League last season, having conceded 50 goals, three less than the worst team Shijiazhuang Ever Bright and their defensive woes have continued in pre-season with 22 goals conceded.

To stem the tide, manager Jaime Pacheco is mulling over converting his marque signing Obi Mikel into a central defender, and the Nigeria skipper appeared in the second half of the friendly versus Gyeongnam FC in that position.

Mikel was deployed in central defense by ex-Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink in few games last season, so he is not entirely a novice in that position.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com