Since the return of Guus Hiddink to Stamford Bridge in December, midfielder John Obi Mikel has enjoyed a purple patch of his Chelsea career.
It comes after he was effectively snubbed from the squad altogether whilst under the management of Jose Mourinho during Chelsea’s disastrous start to the season.
And, as the Nigerian reveals, Mourinho’s attitude towards the squad meant that many players failed to find their best form.
Mikel claims that Mourinho had lost trust in him as a player, and therefore, to many fans, the midfielder seemed to be heading for the end of his career in SW6.
Despite their strong relationship during the Portuguese’s first spell at the Bridge, the deterioration of Chelsea’s season mirrored the Nigeria captain’s position at the club:
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 anymore.
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.
Many reports in the media between August and December claimed the players were turning against the boss but, as Mikel reveals, it was in fact a two-way street as Mourinho fell out of love with his double-winning squad.
I think confidence is everything, if a manager doesn’t believe in you, trust me there’s no way you can succeed.
Even if you do things right he would always make sure he finds fault.
The Blues’ cult hero, who was recently named the new captain of his country, is clearly enjoying life more under Hiddink:
Hiddink came in, he spoke to me, he gave me the confidence and now I have played 20 games and we’re in the best position – where we haven’t been all season.
Source: Goal
