The Obi One Podcast

He’s the man who has a position named after him, and he’s also the latest guest on the Obi One Podcast. Introducing the one and only Claude Makélélé.

The former midfield metronome looks back on his career, from being unceremoniously jettisoned by Real Madrid to finding a home at Chelsea. He also opens up on the qualities needed for his position, what made Zinedine Zidane so unique and why he wasn’t as quiet as some may think.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for an exclusive, in-depth interview with Chelsea’s former Technical Director Michael Emenalo.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Emenalo gives fascinating insight into his new role as Director of Football for the Saudi Pro League, what the job entails and what the overall vision is for the big-spending league.

Was Kylian Mbappé ever a genuine target, how close did Victor Osimhen come to a move to the Kingdom and how likely is a future deal for Liverpool and Egypt superstar Mohamed Salah?

Emenalo also reminisces about his time at Chelsea - from his relationship with Roman Abramovich to the two surprising transfer targets that got away.

It’s all in there. The Obi One Podcast in conversation with Michael Emenalo.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea great John Obi Mikel has a smile on his face after Cole Palmer’s four-goal masterclass against Brighton. But he is calling for calm. And there’s good reason. John also picks through the wreckage of Manchester United’s 3-0 demolition at the hands of Tottenham and believes it’s time for a former Chelsea boss to come out of hibernation and take up the reins at Old Trafford. But do you agree? Comment below. 👇🏿

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester United legend Patrice Evra reflects on his illustrious career in this hilarious sit-down with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy. ‘Pat’ opens up on why he wanted to quit United just days after joining, his unique relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson and reveals some of the secrets from the inner sanctum.

Evra also reveals just how close he came to fighting Luis Suarez in a department store and makes a bold claim about two blockbuster signings United almost pulled off before Fergie’s shock retirement in 2013.

An absolute must watch for not only fans of Manchester United but fans who “love this game”.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel delivers his verdict after his former side’s 3-0 at West Ham. He devours a huge slice of humble pie after Nicolas Jackson’s two-goal showing plus he can’t hide his excitement as Moisés Caicedo finally shows his true colours.

As for Arsenal’s gamesmanship against Manchester City, John is under no illusions they learnt from the best: his Chelsea side - the original masters of the “dark arts”.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Taking the Mikel, John Obi Mikel reflects on Chelsea’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Bournemouth. His verdict on Jadon Sancho’s match-winning cameo and why there are shades of Chelsea’s past with Messrs Drogba and Terry. Also, is Christopher Nkunku the answer to the Blues profligacy in front of goal?

John also discusses the North London Derby and gives both barrels to Spurs defender Cristian Romero.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill joins the Obi One Podcast to reminisce about his trophy-laden seven years at Stamford Bridge. From silencing the doubters to winning over José Mourinho, Cahill opens up on what life was REALLY like playing for the Blues. He also pulls no punches in his critique of one former boss and his ‘boring’ style. Not one to miss!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of Taking the Mikel, the fellas take advantage of the international break to assess Nigeria’s fortunes on and off the pitch.

John Obi Mikel delivers his verdict on the Super Eagles’ unbeaten start to their African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and the hullabaloo surrounding their vacant managerial position.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea great John Obi Mikel lifts the lid on what REALLY happened on transfer deadline day as his former club chased the signature of Victor Osimhen.

Just how involved was he trying to lure his fellow Nigerian to Stamford Bridge? How close was the deal? And what now that Osimhen is off to Galatasaray?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, John and Chris are in Doha to speak to BeIN Sports’ duo Richard Keys and Andy Gray.

In this warts ‘n all conversation, Richard and Andy are incredibly candid about their controversial exit from Sky Sports in 2011, the mental toll it took on them and the anger they still feel over the way it was handled.

The duo also give their thoughts on Manchester City’s domination, what’s really going on at Manchester United and why they hand no plans to hang up their mics just yet.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There really was only one place to start in this week’s Taking the Mikel episode. 👀 John Obi reponds to being told to ‘shut his mouth’ by Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson. Shots well and truly fired.

The Blues legend also runs the rule over Chelsea’s 6-2 demolition of Wolves, hails the impact of Noni Madueke and has his say on rumours that Jadon Sancho could be Stamford Bridge-bound.

The Erling Haaland appreciation society is out in force again, plus Mikel gives his verdict on whether it’s time for Manchester United and Marcus Rashford to part ways.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his latest Taking the Mikel podcast, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel weighs in on the future of Raheem Sterling after his shock omission from Chelsea’s squad for their Premier League opener. Is there more to the story? And what’s next?

John also gives his verdict on the overall performance in Chelsea’s the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, and questions the decision to appoint Enzo Fernandez as captain.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arsenal and France legend Robert Pires is the latest big-name to join the Obi One Podcast as he opens up on life with the Gunners.

From his relationship with Ashley Cole and Thierry Henry to the leadership of Patrick Vieira, Pires reminisces about the glory days at both Highbury and the Emirates.

Arsenal’s Invincibles versus Man Utd’s Treble winners? Pires delivers his verdict on that, plus he discusses his relationship with Arsene Wenger, his admiration for Dennis Bergkamp and the penalty miss that he’ll never live down.

And what of assessment of today’s Arsenal and what is missing in their quest to win a first Premier League title since 2004? He reveals all.

An absolute must-watch for football fans let alone Arsenal supporters.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Taking the Mikel episode, John Obi Mikel looks ahead to the brand new English Premier League season. He gives his verdict on Chelsea’s pre-season form, makes an impassioned plea to Blues target Victor Osimhen and questions the club’s desire to get rid of two players who “bleed blue”: Trevor Chalobah and Conor Gallagher.

Mikel also calls on African Football Associations to up their game if players are to entice talent in the future to pledge their international allegiance to them. Hard-hitting stuff from the man who led Nigeria to African Cup of Nations glory back in 2013!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In another exclusive for the Obi One Podcast, John and Chris are in the Spanish capital to speak to none other than Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Fresh from a record-extending fifth European Cup triumph as manager, Don Carlo was only too willing to open the doors to Real’s training ground for this wide-ranging and illuminating hour-long sit down.

In it, Ancelotti lifts the lid on his approach to management, has some sage advice to young coaches setting out and discusses how he’ll fit new summer signing Kylian Mbappé into his Real line-up next season.

The Italian also talks candidly about a raft of his former charges from Toni Kroos to Cristiano Ronaldo and from Eden Hazard to Gareth Bale.

It’s not one you’ll want to miss!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this latest episode of Taking the Mikel, John Obi and Chris find themselves in Madrid, Spain as they sit down with a familiar face. All will be revealed!

Also in this edition, John Obi gives his verdict on the controversy surrounding current Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, makes an impassioned defence of African football AND endorses a former Blues boss as Gareth Southgate’s England successor. Any guesses?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olympic legend Usain Bolt joins the Obi One Podcast for an exclusive, in-depth look back on his illustrious career. How did he deal with pressure, who was his greatest rival and was his showmanship merely an act? The Jamaican icon reveals all in conversation with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy. He also discusses a human’s limitations, makes a startling admission about his run at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and delivers his verdict on his beloved Manchester United’s decision to stick with boss Erik Ten Hag.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest Taking the Mikel episode, John and Chris discuss new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and his transfer priorities this summer. John also details the genius of Carlo Ancelotti, delivers a warning to José Mourinho and reveals why he might just be back on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Christmas card list. 

Download and subscribe to the Obi One Podcast now and follow us on social media: @obionepodcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea’s greatest ever goalkeeper, Petr Cech, joins John and Chris on Episode 12 of the Obi One Podcast.

The Czech man mountain details what made José Mourinho’s Chelsea so special, opens up on the full extent of the sickening head injury that changed his outlook on life and why Champions League glory as a boardroom executive is his favourite memory at Stamford Bridge.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the aftermath of Chelsea’s extra time defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup Final, John gives his verdict. Was Gary Neville right to call the Blues bottlejobs? And what now for Mauricio Pochettino? The big man has his say.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his first in-depth interview since his shock retirement last year, Eden Hazard opens up about his career like never before with John and Chris. From snubbing Sir Alex Ferguson to what life was REALLY like at Chelsea. The Belgian magician also explains why Zinedine Zidane - and not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo - is the greatest footballer of all time, why he has no regrets over his time at Real Madrid and calls out Cristiano Ronaldo on his bold Saudi Pro League claim. Oh, and then there’s his well-publicised love of rice pudding!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Taking the Mikel, John and Chris react to Nigeria’s run to the AFCON semi-finals and pick their best African XI of players who’ve plied their trade in the Premier League. John also makes a hilarious admission about ex-Chelsea star Celestine Babayaro. 👀

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a break from the norm, Episode 10 features our first non-Chelsea or Nigeria star: it’s Rio Ferdinand. Hear from the Manchester United legend as he discusses his battles with Chelsea, his run-ins with Sir Alex, the brilliance of Paul Scholes and Erik ten Hag’s immediate future. 👀

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 9 features a player former Chelsea team-mates affectionately nicknamed “Zizou”. It’s the one and only, Joe Cole. A boyhood Blues fan, Cole is in superb form in as he opens on a variety of topics in studio with John Obi Mikel. From turning down Sir Alex Ferguson to Claudio Ranieri’s hilarious sales pitch to take him to the Bridge. There’s the fall outs with Jose Mourinho (and there are many), why he’d never join Tottenham and the real reason Eden Hazard joined Chelsea. And, yes, Joe is taking some of the credit!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taking the Mikel: Sunday Oliseh, look away now! - Ep.3

Ahead of the upcoming 2024 African Cup of Nations, John Obi Mikel reminisces about leading Nigeria to continental success back in 2013. He then takes aim at a compatriot who he labels the worst manager he’s ever come across! 👀 Hold onto your hats, folks.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the Special One to a special one. Victor Boniface is one of the most exciting young strikers in world football, and he’s our special guest on Episode 8. With 10 goals and 7 assists in 16 Bundesliga games this season, the Nigerian is spearheading Bayer Leverkusen’s bid to end Bayern Munich’s dominance. Here, he talks candidly about the heartbreak that almost saw him quit the game, the genius of boss Xabi Alonso and reveal the club he’s supported since he was a boy. Oh, and would a move to the Premier League ever interest him? We put that question to him too!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He is the Special One, and over the course of an hour-long chat on the Obi One Podcast, José Mourinho reminds us why. Hear from the Portuguese as he reminisces about his days at Chelsea, what ACTUALLY happened with Kevin de Bruyne and Mohamed Salah and the player that gave him more grey hairs than any other. 

José also opens up on why beating Liverpool at Anfield in 2014 was so special, identifies the man he REALLY wanted to work under at Manchester United and gives his verdict on Arsenal’s title chances.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Obi Mikel turns the air blue as he gives a DAMNING assessment of this current Chelsea side after their defeat at Everton. Where are the leaders and Is Mauricio Pochettino still the right man for the job?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voted Chelsea’s greatest ever player in a 2003 fan poll, Gianfranco Zola is our latest guest on the pod, and what an episode it is!

Hear Franco as you’ve never heard him before as he makes an extraordinary Roman Abramovich claim, regales a hilarious Eden Hazard story and tells us why Sir Alex Ferguson was wrong to say he’s “always smiling”.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 5 sees the man who guided Chelsea to their first ever European Cup success join the guys on the pod. It’s Roberto Di Matteo. 

Another insightful chat as as ‘Bobby’ opens up about THAT win over Bayern, his duels with Pep Guardiola and the OCD habits of his close friend: the late, great Gianluca Vialli.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a first for the podcast, ex-Chelsea winger Florent Malouda joins John and Chris live in studio. Here, he reveals EXACTLY what happened after Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt shame at the 2006 World Cup. He also opens up on his training group fight with John and the unlikely defender who frightened Didier Drogba!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 3 features one of the world’s best strikers: Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian superstar opens up on a raft of subjects: his tough upbringing, his Ballon d’Or dream, winning the Scudetto with Napoli and why he spurned crazy money from Saudi Arabia. Oh, and who did he support as a boy: Man Utd or Chelsea? He puts that to bed too.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 2 of the brand new Obi One Podcast, John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy are joined by a man John Terry labelled on last week’s installment as “the greatest player in Chelsea’s history”. Step forward, ‘Super’ Frank Lampard.

In a wide-ranging conversation, Frank talks tears, tantrums and transfers. He opens up on his second stint as Chelsea boss, reveals the big-name he failed to bring to the Bridge and the one manager he didn’t see eye to eye with.

Download and subscribe to the Obi One Podcast NOW. Available on all your usual platforms and in full on YouTube - @obionepodcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus edition of The Obi One Podcast, “Taking the Mikel” sees John Obi and Chris McHardy discuss the game’s biggest talking points, sparking no shortage of opinion, debate and conversations.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Obi One Podcast is now LIVE, with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy joined on Episode 1 by former Chelsea and England captain John Terry. 

In this intriguing and wide-ranging interview with one of the Premier League’s all-time greats, JT discusses his monumental career, and playing under some of the world’s best managers. 

The former central defender also talks about the one phone call he wanted which never came. 

A must-listen for any Chelsea fan!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices