John Obi Mikel, a former Chelsea midfielder, has explained why Jose Mourinho, the club’s previous manager, altered his stance at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel usually starts his career as an offensive midfielder, both for his club and for his nation.
During their time at Chelsea, though, the former Super Eagles captain was forced to play in a defensive midfield role by Mourinho.
Under Mourinho, who is notorious for his harsh management style, the 35-year-old made 119 appearances.
Mikel told Nigerian radio station Naija FM 102.7 in Lagos that Mourinho changed him to a defensive midfielder so he could replace Claude Makelele.
“Mourinho decided he wanted me to play defensive midfield,” he explained. He is, after all, the coach, and he will make decisions.
“So we talked about it, and he determined that because of the large players he had in his Chelsea side at the time, I should play defensive midfield.”
“Mourinho also wanted me to take over from Makelele at the time since he was nearing the end of his career at Chelsea.”
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