Mikel Obi Opens Up; Says Jose Mourinho Didn’t Believe In Him During His Stay At Chelsea

 John Mikel Obi has once again criticised Jose Mourinho, saying the former Chelsea manager failed to believe in him during the pair’s time together at Stamford Bridge.

The Nigerian only made five Premier League appearances for Mourinho prior to the Portuguese coach’s dismissal in December but his successor – interim boss Guus Hiddink – has used the midfielder a lot more.

Mikel has turned out 13 times in the league under Hiddink and credits the Dutchman for showing faith in his abilities.

But he did not have a good word for Mourinho.

‘I think confidence is everything, if a manager doesn’t believe in you, trust me there’s no way you can succeed,’ Mikel told Goal. ‘Even if you do things right he would always make sure he finds fault.’

‘People change in any walk of life, maybe he decided he wanted to do better in a different way and he didn’t need me any more.

‘He didn’t have the belief that he had in me before, which is fine because every manager has the player that they have trust in.’

Mikel, who has previously spoken about the change in atmosphere within the Blues’ squad following Mourinho’s departure, added: ‘It is a tough business, football, so when a manager comes in he wants to have people he believes in.

‘If he doesn’t believe in you he doesn’t play you. And I think it’s all about a manager giving a player confidence.’

Mikel is currently on international duty with Nigeria. The Super Eagles drew 1-1 with Egypt in African Cup of Nations qualifying on Friday and are due back in action on Tuesday, when they face the same opponents away from home.