EPL: Real Reason Mourinho Changed My Position At Chelsea – Mikel Obi

Published

4 years ago

June 13, 2022

Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has given a reason why the club’s former manager, Jose Mourinho, changed his position at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel normally plays as an attacking midfielder during the early stage of his career, both in club and country.

But the former Super Eagles captain was made to play in the defensive midfield role under Mourinho during their time at Chelsea.

The 35-year-old made 119 appearances under Mourinho, who is known for his strict management approach.

Speaking with Nigerian station Naija FM 102.7 in Lagos, Mikel said Mourinho converted him to a defensive midfielder because he wanted him to take over from Claude Makelele.

He said: “Mourinho decided that he wanted me to play a defensive midfield position. At the end of the day, he is the coach and will make decisions.

“So we discussed and he felt that because of the big players he had then in his squad at Chelsea so he decided that I should play the defensive midfield role.

“And also Makelele was just finishing his career at Chelsea, so Mourinho wanted me to take over from Makelele at that time.”

EPL: Chelsea Set To Sanction First Summer Transfer Under Alonso

Published

23 minutes ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Chelsea are set to sanction their first summer transfer under their new manager, Xabi Alonso.

According to the BBC Sport, the Blues are ‘open’ to selling Filip Jorgensen this summer after the goalkeeper indicated his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

Jorgensen joined the Premier League west London club two seasons ago from Villarreal.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper was expected to compete for the number one position with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but he made just 11 Premier League appearances over the two seasons.

However, while the arrival of Alonso to Stamford Bridge could lead to a change in fortunes for Jorgensen, the report added that the Danish star has already expressed his desire to leave Chelsea this summer to get more regular playing game-time elsewhere.

Chelsea had blocked a potential exit for Jorgensen in the January transfer window, but the Premier League west London club are now open to a sale, with European and English clubs expected to explore a deal for the goalkeeper.

Sports

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.