EPL: Why I converted Mikel to defensive midfielder — Mourinho

Date:

Former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho has offered an insight on why he converted John Mikel Obi from an attacking midfielder to a defensive midfielder during his reign at the Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho and Mikel worked together during the former’s reign at the London club.

Mikel arrived at Chelsea in 2006 and was regarded as one of the best young playmakers in the world at that time.

The 36-year-old was, however, changed to a defensive midfielder by the Portuguese.

Mourinho, now in charge of the Serie A side, AS Roma, revealed the reason behind his action.

“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 said on the ObiOne Podcast.

“Aside from Claude Makelele who was small, I had them all tall and physically strong. They also knew how to occupy space and they have what I call ‘the simplicity of football’, which is fundamental in that position.

Read Also: Champions League draw: Osimhen’s Napoli to face Barcelona

“The team needs balance, with or without the ball. A defensive midfielder needs to be humble in the sense that they recognize that the team is more important than themselves.

“With me at Chelsea, Mikel was a fantastic positional midfield player, very quick thinking, one touch, two touches, everything was simple, and the game was flowing.”

Mikel made 249 league appearances for Chelsea winning the Premier League title twice.

The Nigerian also won four FA Cup titles four times as well as the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

Author

Share post:

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest News

Volleyball: 6 countries battle for glory at AMGA 2024

Six men’s teams and two women’s teams will compete...

LAGOS SUPREMACY CUP 2024: Organisers Reaffirms Commitment To Timeliness Of Matches

In line with its avowed commitment towards hosting a...

Lagos FA Boss Gafar Liameed Congratulates Gusau On WAFU Election Victory

The Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, Hajji Gafar...

FIBA Africa gives more responsibilities to the Zones

…Confirms host of Afrobasket men and women events…Madagascar's Jean...

Ilaboya Hails Gusau’s Election As WAFU 1st VP

A former chairman of Edo State Football Association and...

Popular

More like this
Related

Volleyball: 6 countries battle for glory at AMGA 2024

Six men’s teams and two women’s teams will compete...

LAGOS SUPREMACY CUP 2024: Organisers Reaffirms Commitment To Timeliness Of Matches

In line with its avowed commitment towards hosting a...

Lagos FA Boss Gafar Liameed Congratulates Gusau On WAFU Election Victory

The Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, Hajji Gafar...

FIBA Africa gives more responsibilities to the Zones

…Confirms host of Afrobasket men and women events…Madagascar's Jean...