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Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has disclosed how he contributed to the dismissal of one of the club’s former managers, claiming it was a straightforward task. During his 11-year tenure at Stamford Bridge, the Nigerian midfielder worked under ten different managers and played a part in ensuring one of them did not last long in the job.

Tensions With Villas-Boas

Mikel detailed his falling out with Portuguese coach Andre Villas-Boas, who was appointed as Chelsea’s manager in the summer of 2011.

The club paid a record £13.3 million in compensation to Porto to bring in the highly-rated young tactician, who was expected to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot, Jose Mourinho.

However, Villas-Boas quickly lost favor with key Chelsea players. According to Mikel, the coach arrived with a “big ego” and attempted to impose drastic changes from day one. He made bold decisions by sidelining senior figures such as Frank Lampard and John Terry without explanation, leading to discontent within the squad.

Players’ Influence on His Dismissal

The situation escalated as Villas-Boas’ tactics and management style failed to win over the dressing room. Mikel admitted that the players, who held significant influence at Chelsea, knew how to remove a manager when necessary. The squad deliberately underperformed in matches and even reached out to owner Roman Abramovich to voice their concerns.

“For us, it was easy,” Mikel stated. “Just lose a few games and call the owner. Roman saw the players as the most important part of the club, and if we weren’t happy, something had to change.”

The poor run of results ultimately led to Villas-Boas’ sacking in March 2012, less than a year after his appointment. His dismissal paved the way for his assistant, Roberto Di Matteo, to take over as interim manager.

Di Matteo’s Unexpected Triumph

Following Villas-Boas’ exit, Di Matteo took charge and orchestrated one of Chelsea’s most remarkable seasons. Under his leadership, the team turned their struggling campaign around, going on to win the Champions League and FA Cup in dramatic fashion.

The Italian’s ability to unify the squad and restore confidence proved crucial in securing Chelsea’s first-ever European crown.

The contrast between Villas-Boas’ turbulent reign and Di Matteo’s success highlighted the influence Chelsea’s senior players had at the time. Their power within the club was undeniable, and their ability to shape managerial decisions played a crucial role in the team’s direction.

Chelsea’s Struggles in Recent Years

While Chelsea continued to be a dominant force in the years following Villas-Boas’ exit, their fortunes have waned in recent seasons. Since their Champions League triumph in 2021 against Manchester City, the club has failed to add to their trophy cabinet.

Currently, under manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea sits fourth in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by a massive 18 points. They have already been eliminated from both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. However, the Blues remain strong contenders in the Europa Conference League, where they are set to face Copenhagen in the last 16.

While Chelsea’s influence on the European stage has diminished, Mikel’s revelations serve as a reminder of a time when the club’s senior players wielded immense power—enough to decide the fate of their own manager.