Mikel Obi opens up on Benitez's struggles at Chelsea, discloses John Terry’s role in his sack

Nigerian legendary midfielder John Mikel Obi has opened up on Rafael Benitez's struggles during his time as Chelsea manager.

The former Real Madrid gaffer was named Chelsea manager on an interim basis after Champions League winner Roberto di Matteo was sacked at the beginning of the 2012-13 season.

The Spanish manager led the Blues to the UEFA Europa League victory that season, but could not keep the job permanently.

During an interview with TalkSPORT, as cited by GOAL, the former Super Eagles midfielder claimed the fans and players never counted Benitez as one of their own since he already coached their rival, Liverpool.

"No, we were not. We made that clear. I think Liverpool was a big rival for us [Chelsea], but coming into the club as well, I think the fans also didn't like Rafael Benitez," he said.

"I think there was something about Rafa and the fans that the fans didn't take to him. Same as the players, we didn't accept him as one of us."

The former Chelsea midfielder also explained the role John Terry played in the manager's sack as he was not playing regularly under his management.

"Then we had the thing with JT [John Terry] where JT got dropped, JT wasn't playing as much as he wanted," he added.

"Obviously, JT always played, and Rafa came in and was like 'You're not going to play every game'.
"Obviously, JT wanted an explanation, 'why am I not played?' and Rafa didn't give him that. JT got together by himself and decided yeah, your time is gone!"