Mikel: ‘Jose Mourinho lacked communication skills’

As Chelsea continue to thrive under Guus Hiddink, John Obi Mikel comments on what the difference is between him and Jose Mourinho.

The difference between Chelsea’s play under Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink this season is remarkably different. Under Mourinho, they lost 12 out of 25 matches in all competitions. Under Hiddink, they have yet to lose a game. After they cruised past MK Dons in the FA Cup, John Obi Mikel commented on the difference between the two managers, hinting that the Special One lacked proper communication skills (h/t Goal):

"Yes, the mood is better, I think that’s what [Hiddink] has brought into the football club.He’s so calm and so relaxed, just the way he communicates with the players – and maybe that’s what the players felt they didn’t get from the previous manager [Mourinho].Sometimes with players – not just because they’re not playing – you need to communicate with them, speak to them, and don’t just ignore them because players like to be communicated to."

It seems odd that he would say that to his former manager. Mourinho was in charge during two different spells at Chelsea, and Mikel was there for both of them. Obviously, this season was much different as it seemed clear that he lost the locker room. Either that or the players gave up on him.

Chelsea’s front office is one that prides itself on success, and it doesn’t matter what your resume looks like – if you don’t win, you’re out. Carlo Ancelotti learned that only one season after he won the double. Given the way the two parted ways, Mourinho will want to prove that he can win with a big club and that he is one of the best managers in the world. Whether that’s with Manchester United or another Premier League club remains to be seen.