Nigerian international and former Chelsea Football Club midfielder, John Mikel Obi has finally disclosed the reason why he had a change in position while he played under Jose Mourinho during his time at Chelsea.
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.
Also Read: Mikel Obi Named As Chelsea’s Youngest Player To Make 100 EPL Appearances.
In an interview with 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.”