The Obi One Podcast

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are back for Season 5, and they’re kicking it off with a player so good they named him twice: Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha.

In this candid, in-depth interview, Okocha sets the record straight on a number of subjects.

From announcing himself to the footballing world at Frankfurt, changing his name in Turkey, mentoring a future Ballon d’Or winner in Paris and dealing with the unique managerial skills of Sam Allardyce at Bolton, Okocha has seen - and achieved - an awful lot in his career.

Who does he regard as Africa’s greatest ever footballer? Which Premier League top six club did he turn down? Was a move to Real Madrid ever in the offing? And would he be interested in a role with the Nigerian FA?

Okocha answers them all in this illuminating, and at times hilarious, conversation with his fellow Super Eagles great Obi Mikel.

News broke this week that Sir Alex Ferguson had a verbal agreement for José Mourinho to succeed him at Manchester United back in 2013 — before Mourinho did a U-turn back to his beloved Chelsea. Mikel gives his honest verdict on what might have been, and explains why the Roman Abramovich pull was too strong to resist.

Elsewhere, Vinicius Jr has ended Arsenal's transfer dream by signing a new six-year deal at Real Madrid. Mikel doesn't hold back on why the Gunners were never getting their man — and what it means for Mourinho's new-look Madrid alongside the club's stunning capture of Ivorian starlet Diomandé.

Plus, Mikel runs the rule over Chelsea's 22-day transfer scramble under Xabi Alonso, reacts to Mykhaylo Mudryk's ban being lifted, weighs in on Mohamed Salah's shock move to Trabzonspor, and explains why Manchester City simply cannot afford to lose Rodri.

New season. New studio. Same John Obi Mikel!

Mikel is back with Chris McHardy as they look ahead to the brand new domestic football season.

As Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea revolution takes shape, the guys analyse the new arrivals and hypothesise on what transfer business is still needed. Emi Martinez, anyone?

Mikel gives his verdict on Morgan Rogers and the other high-profile midfield acquisitions across the Premier Lesgue. From Elliott Anderson to Sandro Tonali to the “best signing of the lot”.

Mikel also weighs in on the ‘will he, won’t he’ transfer of Vini Jnr, gives his thoughts on Mo Salah’s link to Trabzonspor and explains why José Mourinho could be about to author one heck of a final chapter at Real Madrid.

Taking the Mikel is back!

It’s the morning after the night before and Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years. John Obi Mikel gives his verdict, and there’s begrudging respect there.

With Pep Guardiola set to depart Manchester City after a decade as manager, Mikel and Chris discuss his legacy and ask whether he really is the greatest the Premier League has ever had.

Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Chelsea boss comes under the microscope, as Mikel outlines what excites him the most about the Spaniard’s arrival.

There’s also a tense standoff between the lads over Mohamed Salah’s latest social media outburst. Was he in the right? And what does Arne Slot do now?

Chelsea is a club on its knees. Six successive league defeats, four on the bounce at Stamford Bridge and the worst run of results since 1993. Little wonder then, Blues legend John Obi Mikel is crestfallen.

Resigned to Chelsea’s fate this season, Mikel calls out the club’s ills and demands a reset this summer as he fears the club are slipping into mediocrity and a finish outside the top half.

So what is needed? Leaders? Check. A semblance of a plan? Check. Xavi Alonso…?! 👀

Watch as an impassioned Mikel breaks down what needs to happen sooner rather than later.

Mikel also gives his verdict on the Premier League title run in, begrudgingly gives Arsenal their flowers and laments the loss of Manchester City’s most important player.

Oh, and José Mourinho back to Real Madrid? Mikel gives his view.