John Obi Mikel has his say on Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with old rivals Arsenal. From some ‘friendly’ advice for ex-Blue Kai Havertz to question marks over Robert Sanchez’s suitability as the club’s long-term No1. John also opines about Cole Palmer’s quiet afternoon and asks for more in the big games from Chelsea’s main man. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matchroom CEO Eddie Hearn is one of the most influential figures in boxing, and he’s the latest guest on the Obi One Podcast with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy. Eddie opens up on life in the industry, the lessons he learned from his father Barry, Turki Alalshikh’s role in shaping the sport’s future and answers the burning question: will Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury ever fight? As for the possibility of him one day becoming owner of a football club, Eddie gives his verdict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fresh from his appearance at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Chelsea great John Obi Mikel aims both barrels at Real Madrid, settles on Enzo Maresca’s ideal midfield pairing and gives his verdict on Europe’s hottest striker right now. So who gets his vote? Sporting’s goal machine Viktor Gyökeres or fellow Nigerian, Victor Osimhen? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
He’s the man who has a position named after him, and he’s also the latest guest on the Obi One Podcast. Introducing the one and only Claude Makélélé. The former midfield metronome looks back on his career, from being unceremoniously jettisoned by Real Madrid to finding a home at Chelsea. He also opens up on the qualities needed for his position, what made Zinedine Zidane so unique and why he wasn’t as quiet as some may think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for an exclusive, in-depth interview with Chelsea’s former Technical Director Michael Emenalo. In this wide-ranging conversation, Emenalo gives fascinating insight into his new role as Director of Football for the Saudi Pro League, what the job entails and what the overall vision is for the big-spending league. Was Kylian Mbappé ever a genuine target, how close did Victor Osimhen come to a move to the Kingdom and how likely is a future deal for Liverpool and Egypt superstar Mohamed Salah? Emenalo also reminisces about his time at Chelsea - from his relationship with Roman Abramovich to the two surprising transfer targets that got away. It’s all in there. The Obi One Podcast in conversation with Michael Emenalo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chelsea great John Obi Mikel has a smile on his face after Cole Palmer’s four-goal masterclass against Brighton. But he is calling for calm. And there’s good reason. John also picks through the wreckage of Manchester United’s 3-0 demolition at the hands of Tottenham and believes it’s time for a former Chelsea boss to come out of hibernation and take up the reins at Old Trafford. But do you agree? Comment below. 👇🏿 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Manchester United legend Patrice Evra reflects on his illustrious career in this hilarious sit-down with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy. ‘Pat’ opens up on why he wanted to quit United just days after joining, his unique relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson and reveals some of the secrets from the inner sanctum. Evra also reveals just how close he came to fighting Luis Suarez in a department store and makes a bold claim about two blockbuster signings United almost pulled off before Fergie’s shock retirement in 2013. An absolute must watch for not only fans of Manchester United but fans who “love this game”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel delivers his verdict after his former side’s 3-0 at West Ham. He devours a huge slice of humble pie after Nicolas Jackson’s two-goal showing plus he can’t hide his excitement as Moisés Caicedo finally shows his true colours. As for Arsenal’s gamesmanship against Manchester City, John is under no illusions they learnt from the best: his Chelsea side - the original masters of the “dark arts”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of Taking the Mikel, John Obi Mikel reflects on Chelsea’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Bournemouth. His verdict on Jadon Sancho’s match-winning cameo and why there are shades of Chelsea’s past with Messrs Drogba and Terry. Also, is Christopher Nkunku the answer to the Blues profligacy in front of goal? John also discusses the North London Derby and gives both barrels to Spurs defender Cristian Romero. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill joins the Obi One Podcast to reminisce about his trophy-laden seven years at Stamford Bridge. From silencing the doubters to winning over José Mourinho, Cahill opens up on what life was REALLY like playing for the Blues. He also pulls no punches in his critique of one former boss and his ‘boring’ style. Not one to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the latest episode of Taking the Mikel, the fellas take advantage of the international break to assess Nigeria’s fortunes on and off the pitch. John Obi Mikel delivers his verdict on the Super Eagles’ unbeaten start to their African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and the hullabaloo surrounding their vacant managerial position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chelsea great John Obi Mikel lifts the lid on what REALLY happened on transfer deadline day as his former club chased the signature of Victor Osimhen. Just how involved was he trying to lure his fellow Nigerian to Stamford Bridge? How close was the deal? And what now that Osimhen is off to Galatasaray? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, John and Chris are in Doha to speak to BeIN Sports’ duo Richard Keys and Andy Gray. In this warts ‘n all conversation, Richard and Andy are incredibly candid about their controversial exit from Sky Sports in 2011, the mental toll it took on them and the anger they still feel over the way it was handled. The duo also give their thoughts on Manchester City’s domination, what’s really going on at Manchester United and why they hand no plans to hang up their mics just yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
There really was only one place to start in this week’s Taking the Mikel episode. 👀 John Obi reponds to being told to ‘shut his mouth’ by Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson. Shots well and truly fired. The Blues legend also runs the rule over Chelsea’s 6-2 demolition of Wolves, hails the impact of Noni Madueke and has his say on rumours that Jadon Sancho could be Stamford Bridge-bound. The Erling Haaland appreciation society is out in force again, plus Mikel gives his verdict on whether it’s time for Manchester United and Marcus Rashford to part ways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In his latest Taking the Mikel podcast, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel weighs in on the future of Raheem Sterling after his shock omission from Chelsea’s squad for their Premier League opener. Is there more to the story? And what’s next? John also gives his verdict on the overall performance in Chelsea’s the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, and questions the decision to appoint Enzo Fernandez as captain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Arsenal and France legend Robert Pires is the latest big-name to join the Obi One Podcast as he opens up on life with the Gunners. From his relationship with Ashley Cole and Thierry Henry to the leadership of Patrick Vieira, Pires reminisces about the glory days at both Highbury and the Emirates. Arsenal’s Invincibles versus Man Utd’s Treble winners? Pires delivers his verdict on that, plus he discusses his relationship with Arsene Wenger, his admiration for Dennis Bergkamp and the penalty miss that he’ll never live down. And what of assessment of today’s Arsenal and what is missing in their quest to win a first Premier League title since 2004? He reveals all. An absolute must-watch for football fans let alone Arsenal supporters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this Taking the Mikel episode, John Obi Mikel looks ahead to the brand new English Premier League season. He gives his verdict on Chelsea’s pre-season form, makes an impassioned plea to Blues target Victor Osimhen and questions the club’s desire to get rid of two players who “bleed blue”: Trevor Chalobah and Conor Gallagher. Mikel also calls on African Football Associations to up their game if players are to entice talent in the future to pledge their international allegiance to them. Hard-hitting stuff from the man who led Nigeria to African Cup of Nations glory back in 2013! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In another exclusive for the Obi One Podcast, John and Chris are in the Spanish capital to speak to none other than Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. Fresh from a record-extending fifth European Cup triumph as manager, Don Carlo was only too willing to open the doors to Real’s training ground for this wide-ranging and illuminating hour-long sit down. In it, Ancelotti lifts the lid on his approach to management, has some sage advice to young coaches setting out and discusses how he’ll fit new summer signing Kylian Mbappé into his Real line-up next season. The Italian also talks candidly about a raft of his former charges from Toni Kroos to Cristiano Ronaldo and from Eden Hazard to Gareth Bale. It’s not one you’ll want to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this latest episode of Taking the Mikel, John Obi and Chris find themselves in Madrid, Spain as they sit down with a familiar face. All will be revealed! Also in this edition, John Obi gives his verdict on the controversy surrounding current Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, makes an impassioned defence of African football AND endorses a former Blues boss as Gareth Southgate’s England successor. Any guesses? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Olympic legend Usain Bolt joins the Obi One Podcast for an exclusive, in-depth look back on his illustrious career. How did he deal with pressure, who was his greatest rival and was his showmanship merely an act? The Jamaican icon reveals all in conversation with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy. He also discusses a human’s limitations, makes a startling admission about his run at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and delivers his verdict on his beloved Manchester United’s decision to stick with boss Erik Ten Hag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices