John Obi Mikel has shared a gripping story from his early days at Chelsea, revealing how then-manager José Mourinho severely punished him for arriving late before a high-stakes Champions League match against Barcelona. The Nigerian midfielder’s misstep cost him his place in the team for months, a lesson that left a lasting impact on his career.
During a recent recording of The Obi One Podcast at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground, Mikel reflected on the incident that nearly derailed his early days at Stamford Bridge. He admitted that he lost track of time while at home on the night before the crucial match at Stamford Bridge. By the time he arrived at the stadium, the mood was cold and the consequences were immediate.
“The night before the Barcelona game, I was at home chilling. It wasn’t like I was sleeping; I just didn’t get the timing right,” Mikel recounted. “When I got to the training ground, not a single word was said to me by the players. But the message was clear. For the next two to three months, I didn’t play a single game.”
Mikel’s late arrival led to a period of exile from the first team, a decision enforced by Mourinho that sent a strong message to the young player about the discipline expected at the club. Mikel’s admission comes as a reminder of the strict standards that top clubs enforce, particularly in critical fixtures like those against Barcelona.
The Nigerian midfielder went on to become a mainstay in the Chelsea lineup, eventually featuring in 372 games for the Blues and winning multiple trophies. His experience serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of professionalism, particularly at the highest levels of the sport.
