“Why I did what I did to Mikel Obi” — Jose Mourinho

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has shed light on the strategic decision behind converting John Mikel Obi from an attacking midfielder to a defensive role during his tenure at Stamford Bridge, unveiling the rationale behind this pivotal change.

Mourinho, who collaborated with Mikel during his managerial stint at the London club, shared insights into his thought process during an episode of the ObiOne Podcast. Reflecting on Mikel’s transition, Mourinho highlighted specific traits that defined his preferred defensive midfielders.

“I liked everything about Mikel. If you go through all the positional[defensive] midfield players that I have had during my career, there are lots of similar things,” Mourinho remarked during the podcast.

The Portuguese tactician emphasized the importance of specific attributes in defensive midfielders, citing their physical stature, ability to occupy space effectively, and what he termed as the ‘simplicity of football,’ crucial qualities in the position.

Mourinho stressed the significance of balance within the team, both with and without possession, underlining the humility required for a defensive midfielder to prioritize the team’s needs over individual prowess.

Recalling Mikel’s tenure under his management at Chelsea, Mourinho praised the Nigerian’s adeptness in the positional midfield role, highlighting his quick thinking, ability to execute simple yet effective plays with one or two touches, thereby facilitating the smooth flow of the game.

During his time at Chelsea, Mikel amassed 249 league appearances, clinching the Premier League title twice and securing four FA Cup titles. His accomplishments also included triumphs in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, marking a decorated career at the London club.