Mikel Obi aims dig at former boss says unlike Mourinho, Guss Hiddink ‘doesn’t get into people’s business'

John Mikel Obi has sarcastically aimed a thinly-veiled jibe at his former boss Jose Mourinho, while claiming the players have more relaxed ‘from day one’ of Guus Hiddink taking over and that the Dutchman ‘doesn’t get into people’s business'.


The 29-year-old who was substituted to a standing ovation by fans from all four corners of Stamford Bridge during their 5-1 FA Cup mauling of Manchester City, revealed that the atmosphere at their Cobham ground has completely changed since Mourinho was sacked in December.
He also claims that the majority of the team would like Hiddink to continue as Chelsea manager beyond his current short-term deal which ends in the summer.

‘From day one, since Guus has come in, the atmosphere has changed,’ the Nigerian said. ‘The players feel more relaxed, people know what their jobs are and people are getting on with their jobs in a more relaxed way. And a way they can perform very well.
'He has given responsibility to people and expects them to thrive on it and make sure they do it in way where they feel comfortable. I think that is what the players are showing now.

‘When you come into the training ground, the players are more relaxed, he doesn’t get into people’s business, he gets on with his own thing and players feel very comfortable and know exactly what to do so when he gets on the training pitch, he doesn’t need to speak.
'We all know what he wants and it is the same when we go into a game.’

Speaking on Hiddink's deal with the club which comes to an end in the summer, Mikel said: ‘I want him to stay. It is the choice of the owner, the club and the board. They will have to decide. But if you speak to the players, 98 or 99 per cent of them want him to stay so I mean, we are very happy, we are performing well and let’s hope this continues.
‘It depends on the board and it depends on Guus if he wants to continue. He has said that he is here until the end of the season but you never know, he might change his mind. If the club want to appoint him fair enough. His record speaks for itself.’