The Obi One Podcast

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

Usain Bolt, an Olympic legend known for his extraordinary sprinting career, joins the conversation with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy. He shares how he handled pressure during critical races and reflects on his biggest rival, Justin Gatlin. Bolt reveals a shocking admission about his performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and discusses the significance of mental resilience in sports. He also weighs in on Manchester United's decision to retain Erik Ten Hag, highlighting his passion for football off the track.

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