Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has revealed how he played a role in the dismissal of one of Chelsea’s former managers, describing it as an easy task. During his 11-year stint at Stamford Bridge, the Nigerian midfielder worked under ten different managers and admitted to influencing the departure of one who didn’t last long in the job.
It was recalled that Mikel also recently warned Chelsea that Nicolas Jackson alone is not enough to lead the club to a title push. He stressed that the team needs more attacking reinforcements to compete at the highest level. His concerns reflect the club’s ongoing struggles in the Premier League.
Mikel’s comments highlight his deep connection with Chelsea and his understanding of the team’s needs. Having experienced both triumphs and challenges with the Blues, his insights carry weight among fans and pundits. As Chelsea continues its rebuild, his warnings may serve as a wake-up call for the club’s management.
Tensions With Villas-Boas
Mikel has opened up about his fallout with Portuguese manager Andre Villas-Boas, who took charge of Chelsea in the summer of 2011. The club had spent a record £13.3 million to bring in the highly-rated tactician from Porto, expecting him to follow in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho. However, his tenure was marred by conflicts with key players.
Villas-Boas arrived at Stamford Bridge with a strong personality and attempted to implement immediate, sweeping changes. According to Mikel, the coach arrived with a “big ego” and attempted to impose drastic changes from day one. His decision to sideline influential figures like Frank Lampard and John Terry without clear justification created tension within the squad, leading to growing dissatisfaction.
Despite his initial promise, Villas-Boas struggled to gain the trust of senior players, which ultimately contributed to his downfall. His reign at Chelsea serves as a reminder of the challenges young managers face in handling elite teams. Interestingly, some months ago, Andre Villas-Boas cautions Chelsea and Manchester City over FIFA Club World Cup prize money, suggesting he still keeps an eye on his former club’s affairs.
Players’ Influence on His Dismissal
The situation escalated as Villas-Boas’ tactics and management style failed to win over the dressing room. Mikel admitted that the players, who held significant influence at Chelsea, knew how to remove a manager when necessary. The squad deliberately underperformed in matches and even reached out to owner Roman Abramovich to voice their concerns.
The poor run of results ultimately led to Villas-Boas’ sacking in March 2012, less than a year after his appointment. His dismissal paved the way for his assistant, Roberto Di Matteo, to take over as interim manager.
Recall, SoftFootball recently reported that former Chelsea and Nigerian international Mikel Obi criticized Manchester United’s midfield struggles, specifically slamming the pairing of Casemiro and Eriksen. According to Obi, their partnership has been a major concern as the Red Devils continue to face a deepening crisis this season.”
Di Matteo’s Unexpected Triumph
Following Villas-Boas’ exit, Di Matteo took charge and orchestrated one of Chelsea’s most remarkable seasons. Under his leadership, the team turned their struggling campaign around, going on to win the Champions League and FA Cup in dramatic fashion.
The Italian’s ability to unify the squad and restore confidence proved crucial in securing Chelsea’s first-ever European crown.
The contrast between Villas-Boas’ turbulent reign and Di Matteo’s success highlighted the influence Chelsea’s senior players had at the time. Their power within the club was undeniable, and their ability to shape managerial decisions played a crucial role in the team’s direction.
Chelsea’s Struggles in Recent Years
While Chelsea continued to be a dominant force in the years following Villas-Boas’ exit, their fortunes have waned in recent seasons. Since their Champions League triumph in 2021 against Manchester City, the club has failed to add to their trophy cabinet.
Currently, under manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea sits fourth in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by a massive 18 points. They have already been eliminated from both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. However, the Blues remain strong contenders in the Europa Conference League, where they are set to face Copenhagen in the last 16.
While Chelsea’s influence on the European stage has diminished, Mikel’s revelations serve as a reminder of a time when the club’s senior players wielded immense power—enough to decide the fate of their own manager.