Mikel not scared of Mourinho
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Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel admits he's had a blow-up with manager Jose Mourinho, but insists the Portuguese isn't scary.
The Nigerian teenager made his full Chelsea debut in Sofia on Wednesday and with Michael Ballack suspended is set to feature against Aston Villa this afternoon.
Mikel, who cost the Blues an estimated £12m compensation payment to Manchester United in the summer, has been given a few warnings already over the professional standards he must maintain to find favour with the Portuguese boss.
The midfielder said: "Jose Mourinho is a very demanding manager. He wants 100 per cent and when you don't give him that he's very disappointed with you.
"He just doesn't want mistakes and we can't afford to make mistakes. But I don't think he's scary!
"I knew it would be difficult being a young kid coming into a big club like this.
"I had to go to big players like Shevchenko, Ballack and Lampard and introduce myself.
"But I don't get carried away by all the hype around me.
"I know it will take time to get used to the Premiership. I keep my feet on the ground by working hard and practising."
The Nigerian teenager made his full Chelsea debut in Sofia on Wednesday and with Michael Ballack suspended is set to feature against Aston Villa this afternoon.
Mikel, who cost the Blues an estimated £12m compensation payment to Manchester United in the summer, has been given a few warnings already over the professional standards he must maintain to find favour with the Portuguese boss.
The midfielder said: "Jose Mourinho is a very demanding manager. He wants 100 per cent and when you don't give him that he's very disappointed with you.
"He just doesn't want mistakes and we can't afford to make mistakes. But I don't think he's scary!
"I knew it would be difficult being a young kid coming into a big club like this.
"I had to go to big players like Shevchenko, Ballack and Lampard and introduce myself.
"But I don't get carried away by all the hype around me.
"I know it will take time to get used to the Premiership. I keep my feet on the ground by working hard and practising."
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