In a bombshell revelation, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has lifted the lid on the toxic atmosphere that led to Jose Mourinho's infamous second departure from Stamford Bridge in 2015.
The Dressing Room Divided
The Nigerian international, who made 372 appearances for the Blues, described how Mourinho's relationship with key players completely broke down during their disastrous title defence season. "It became us against him," Mikel confessed in a startling admission.
Training Ground Tensions
Mikel revealed how training sessions turned into battlegrounds, with Mourinho's criticism becoming increasingly personal. "He'd pick on players individually, questioning their commitment. The trust had gone," the 2012 Champions League winner explained.
The Final Straw
According to Mikel, the situation reached breaking point after a 2-1 defeat to Leicester in December 2015 - a result that left Chelsea just one point above the relegation zone. "That dressing room afterwards... I'd never seen anything like it. Some players were furious, others just broken," he recalled.
Player Power Prevails
The midfielder suggested senior players ultimately forced owner Roman Abramovich's hand, with Mourinho being sacked just days later. "When the core of your squad stops responding, there's only one outcome," Mikel stated matter-of-factly.
This explosive insight comes as Mourinho prepares for his latest Premier League challenge with a different London club, while Chelsea continue their search for stability nearly a decade later.
