Mikel happy with form

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By Subhankar Mondal 3 May 2011 20:29:00 Champions League: FC Schalke 04 - Manchester United, Ralf Rangnick (Getty Images) Related Links Teams Players Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick believes that they can qualify for the final of the Champions League despite trailing 2-0 from the first-leg in their semi-final tie against Manchester United . The German side lost their home encounter against the English giants last week and the consensus is that they will not make it through to the final at Wembley in London later this month. However, Rangnick is hopeful that they can turn around the tie at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening and said in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday: “We want to show we can play better, that we learned our lesson from last week and then we'll see what happens.
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Mikel: Out to keep hold of his place in the team

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is hoping to keep his place in the side ahead of the title showdown with Manchester United.

Mikel has regained his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans in recent weeks after finding himself out of the team earlier this season.

The Nigerian’s return to the starting XI has co-incided with Chelsea’s recent good run of form with the 24-year-old featuring in their last five wins in the Premier League and Mikel is happy to be back in favour.

“I had a good run from the start of the season until about January and then I wasn’t playing so much,” Mikel told the club’s offical website.

“Now I have started playing again and I just want to keep playing as much as I can and help the team win games and trophies and this is my aim and this is why I am in this club.

“I just want to help this team win trophies, that is my aim and as long as I am playing and this team is winning games and trophies then I am happy.”

Mikel impressed during last weekend’s win over Tottenham and the midfielder is happy with his holding role in the team.

“When you play teams like Tottenham, Arsenal or Manchester, these teams can hurt you in counter-attack and this is one thing the manager and the defenders behind me asked me to do in this game,” added Mikel.

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Mikel happy with form