Manuel Pellegrini
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is delighted with John Obi Mikel's performance during the Blues 2-0 victory against Derby County on Sunday.
Instead of Ashley Cole, the club armband was given to Mikel by Michael Essien; and the Nigerian born midfielder went on to justify such omission - by leading the team to a clear victory in less than 30minutes to the end of the match.
Hence, the 50-year-old was quick to express his delight at such sonorous quality.
“I never recognise his ability to score goals,” Mourinho told the club's website.
“I recognise his ability to play as an anchorman, to play that position in a very comfortable way, with no mistakes. He reads the game well, plays in an intelligent and safe way, but I never recognise his goal scoring appetite.
“There was a smile on my face [when he scored]. For some reason, Essien gave him the armband, normally it should go to Ashley Cole, so maybe it made him believe he was a goal scorer!
“It was important for us, we were dominating and dominating, creating and creating, but the goal was not arriving. It was like the winning goal.'
Perhaps, Mikel, who is tipped as the favourite to land the CAF African Player award, might be given an edge via this interesting performance.
The winner of the 2013 CAF African Player of the Year award will be announced on Thursday January 9 at a gala which would hold in Lagos, Nigeria.