Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has backed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Chelsea manager, saying the Spaniard already has the respect of players because of his achievements in football.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel explained that Alonso’s successful career as both a player and manager gives him immediate authority in the dressing room.
According to the former Nigerian international, players naturally respond differently to coaches who have already achieved greatness in the game.
“He’s the manager that’s going to come in straight away and command respect, command discipline,” Mikel said. “Because he’s been there, he’s done it as a player, he’s won titles, and as a manager, he’s won titles too.”
Alonso enjoyed a successful playing career with top European clubs including Liverpool FC, Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich. He also won major trophies with Spain, including the FIFA World Cup and European Championship titles.
As a manager, Alonso gained widespread praise after leading Bayer Leverkusen to domestic success in Germany, establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches.
Mikel believes Chelsea players will quickly buy into Alonso’s ideas because of his reputation and experience at the highest level.
“So that’s what you need,” Mikel continued. “A manager who walks through the door and the players say, ‘Wow, that’s Xabi Alonso.’ They will listen to him because he has done it and won titles.”
The former Chelsea star also admitted that players sometimes struggle to respect managers who lack a strong football background or major achievements in the game.
“When players see someone who has been there and done it, the mentality changes immediately,” he added.
