Africa-Press – Nigeria. 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.”
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