A Young Star’s Lesson in Humility

When John Obi Mikel first arrived at Chelsea, young and eager, his first paycheck felt like a dream come true. Without hesitation, he bought himself a sleek Range Rover, a symbol of success. But when José Mourinho saw it, he wasn’t impressed.

“Take it back,” Mourinho told him. “Get a Mini Cooper.”

Mikel was stunned, but he listened. Over time, he realized Mourinho wasn’t just coaching him on the pitch—he was shaping his mentality, teaching him discipline and humility. Mikel would later credit Mourinho for molding him into the player and person he became.

Drogba’s Big Game Switch

In the Chelsea dressing room, everyone knew when a massive fixture was coming up—it was a “Didier Drogba week.”

If the opponent was a mid-table side like Hull City or Stoke, Drogba would take it easy. He knew Chelsea would get the job done without him having to push himself to the limit. But when a big game loomed? That’s when the real preparation began.

The medical staff would be on high alert, massaging him, making sure he was in perfect condition. “Do you need anything, Didier? Anything at all?” they’d ask.

His teammates would smile knowingly—Drogba was about to switch into warrior mode. And when the big night arrived, he never disappointed.