Last Updated: Sun, 01 Apr 2012 11:56
Roman Abramovich is the man Chelsea's players respect as they accept he has the power to sack them all, according to Jon Obi Mikel.
The Nigerian international midfielder has lifted the lid on the players' thoughts on the Russian billionaire who has bankrolled the Stamford Bridge club since taking over almost 10 years ago.
And Mikel points to Abramovich's willingness to sack managers at the drop of a hat if he believes they are not living up to his expectations.
Andre Villas-Boas is a prime example as Chelsea forked out £13million to bring him into the club from FC Porto last summer, but he was shown the door at the start of last month as the Blues were struggling in the Premier League and their Champions League bid was hanging in the balance after a 3-1 last-16 first leg defeat at Napoli.
Roberto Di Matteo was drafted in on a caretaker basis to become the eighth man at the helm during Abramovich's tenure and he has boosted his chances of keeping the job after guiding the club to the FA Cup semi finals, Champions League last-eight and back in the hunt for a top-four finish.
However, Mikel claims suggestions of player power at Chelsea are well wide of the mark as they all feel the power Abramovich possesses means they could also be shown the exit door if they are not doing the business on the pitch.
He told reporters: "It has been a difficult season and you can question the owner, but he wants results and he wants to win trophies.
"If things are not right it is his money, his team, so he has the right to change things. And I think we all respect that.
"Tomorrow, if he says he wants to get rid of us players and wants to get new ones, then we will respect him. It is his money, his business.
"Now Robbie is boss, we all have to respect this. The team comes first and whoever is playing we have to respect that as well.
"We are all together and helping each other, even from the bench. The players have all regrouped and spoken amongst ourselves.
"But there has never been player power here, I don't know where people get that from. The manager has always been in control."
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