Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, has opened up about a raw and emotional chapter in Mohamed Salah’s early football journey — one that involved tears, tough love, and legendary coach José Mourinho.
While speaking on The Peter Crouch Podcast, Mikel recounted a heated moment that unfolded during a Chelsea match against Norwich City back in 2014. Salah, who was still finding his feet at Stamford Bridge, found himself on the receiving end of Mourinho’s intense halftime fury. According to Mikel, the manager’s criticism was so brutal that it left the young Egyptian star in tears — and to make things worse, Mourinho didn’t let him return for the second half.
“He had a go at Salah. The boy started crying. Then he subbed him off completely. No second chances,” Mikel shared.
Although Mikel described Mourinho as a brilliant manager and a “fantastic human,” he admitted the coach sometimes went too far with young players. Thankfully, Salah bounced back, carving his name in football history through Fiorentina, Roma, and ultimately Liverpool, where he became one of the greatest forwards in the world.
