By Saka Bashir Adegboyega ( Siwes student Kwara State University)
Mikel Obi recently shared insights into the influence of former Chelsea captain John Terry during Rafael Benitez’s tenure at Stamford Bridge.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Mikel explained that the Chelsea squad had a strained relationship with Benitez, who took over as an interim manager in 2012 after the dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo, despite achieving a third-place finish and winning the Europa League.
The players and fans didn’t quite embrace Benitez, and this was particularly evident due to his past association with Liverpool.
Mikel revealed that John Terry played a pivotal role in addressing the issues within the team.
Terry, who was accustomed to being a regular starter, was not given the same assurances by Benitez. When Terry sought an explanation for his reduced playing time, Benitez didn’t provide one. According to Mikel, it was Terry who took matters into his own hands and played a significant role in Benitez’s eventual departure.
John Terry was considered a prominent figure at Stamford Bridge, both on and off the pitch. His leadership qualities were instrumental in keeping the dressing room united, especially during times of discord.
Other influential figures within the team included Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Petr Cech, and Ashley Cole.
When they felt the manager was not meeting the players’ expectations, they would come together to find a way to bring in someone they preferred.
In essence, John Terry and other senior players had a substantial influence on the dynamics at Chelsea during Benitez’s tenure.
