News

“We hated each other” – Mikel Obi recounts how Mourinho wins Chelsea vs Arsenal clash

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel recently shared insights into the fierce rivalry between Chelsea and Arsenal during his time at Stamford Bridge, Soccernet.ng reports.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the former Super Eagles player recounted how legendary manager José Mourinho fuelled the competitive fire between the two London clubs.

Mikel revealed that Mourinho often “won the match” even before kick-off, using his press conferences to provoke Arsenal’s then-manager Arsène Wenger and set the tone for an intense on-field clash.

Mikel explained that Mourinho’s motivational tactics included emphasising the rivalry and urging players to outplay and outmanoeuvre Arsenal at all costs.

Known for his psychological approach, Mourinho instilled a winning mentality in Chelsea’s squad, extending to every match against their London rivals.

“He is standing there at the tunnel looking at you thinking ‘is he going to shake his hands?’ ‘you shake an Arsenal player’s hands?’ he will probably pull you out and tell you to go back to the changing room. We don’t look at them, we hated each other. Of course, he gets into Arsène, trying to provoke Arsène, and that’s where he wins. He wins from the press conference. He comes back to us and says, ‘Listen, I have gone to the press conference and I’ve smashed Arsène Wenger, so now it’s your turn to make sure you go into the game and smash these guys. And he used to call them kids,” Mikel recalled.

Under Mourinho’s leadership, Chelsea won multiple Premier League titles and maintained a formidable record against Arsenal, which intensified the rivalry between the two clubs.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

View Comments

  • Mikel is right .Arsenal then had kids when they played Maureen & his chavs.Had he played agains the men I.e Invincibles before.They eould have had their arses handed to them.Yeah & Arsenal do hate the Nouveau Riche upstarts.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

“We know him inside out” – Interim Super Eagles manager eyes another victory over Gernot Rohr

Interim Super Eagles manager, Augustine Owen Eguavoen, has revealed his players will do their best… Read More

5 hours ago

Benin vs Nigeria: Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and three other stars that can help Super Eagles tame Cheetas

The Super Eagles of Nigeria tackle close neighbors Benin in their fourth game of the… Read More

10 hours ago

Nigeria vs Ghana: Black Galaxies prepare for Super Eagles B CHAN clash with two friendly wins

Mustapha Yakubu was the standout performer as Ghana’s Black Galaxies secured two friendly wins on… Read More

10 hours ago

Predicted XI: Osho, Lookman and Osimhen start, Simon and Boniface out – Nigeria’s expected lineup against Benin

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for their critical 2025 Africa Cup of… Read More

11 hours ago

“They’re at full strength” – Benin Republic’s Gernot Rohr unsure of victory ahead of Nigeria clash

Benin Republic's head coach, Gernot Rohr, has admitted it'll be very hard to defeat the… Read More

12 hours ago

“I’m here to stay” – Nassarawa United defender vows to fight for Super Eagles place

Newest Super Eagles invitee, Victor Collins, has vowed to give his all to remain in… Read More

12 hours ago