Mikel Explains Why Mourinho Didn't Play Him For Months, Relationship With Ex-Chelsea Coach

Published: October 12, 2019

John Obi Mikel has opened up about his relationship with former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho and admitted that he had been in the bad books of the respected Portuguese manager because of his poor disciplinary record in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel saw only 63 minutes of action in Chelsea's next fifteen games in the Premier League after he was dismissed against Reading during the 2006-2007 season.

''Jose Mourinho didn't play me for months after two red cards I saw for the first time. Then we had a great relationship with him. He was the one who brought me to the club,'' Mikel said in an interview with Trabzonspor's official magazine, as quoted via 61 Saat.

The former Nigeria captain was full of praise for Mourinho, who he described as the best coach who can control big-name players with high ego.

''Coaching is a very difficult job because you have to deal with a lot of high ego. You should be able to control and fight the big names with high ego.

''Jose Mourinho is one of the best technicians who do this. He is very successful both tactically and in terms of human relations. Even now we have a great relationship with him. You know Jose Mourinho. He's his own person.''

Mikel spent more than a decade at Chelsea and was part of the squad that won a Champions League crown, the Europa League, two Premier League titles and four FA Cups.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com