‘He thought he was the best in the world, but he wasn’t’

Mourinho (standing L) and Mikel (R) during their days at Chelsea

José Mourinho has opened up about his experience coaching John Obi Mikel at Chelsea, revealing how he helped transform the Nigerian midfielder from a raw talent into a top-level professional.

Mikel joined Chelsea in 2006 amid intense transfer drama between the Blues and Manchester United.

Hailed as one of Africa’s brightest prospects after a standout performance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Mikel arrived in London brimming with confidence, perhaps too much of it, according to his former manager in an interview with Football Today.

“A young guy who already thinks at that moment he was the best in the world, but he wasn’t,” Mourinho said.

Mourinho, known for his man-management and tactical acumen, saw potential beyond the midfielder’s self-belief.

He famously converted Mikel from a forward-thinking attacking midfielder into a disciplined holding player, a decision that proved instrumental in shaping Mikel’s career.

“I had to help the guy become a top player like he was,” Mourinho added.

The result was a decade-long spell at Chelsea during which Mikel became one of the club’s most reliable midfielders.

He made over 370 appearances for the Blues, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, the League Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the Europa League.

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