Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi believes Enzo Maresca may have finally silenced his critics after showing the kind of fiery touchline emotion fans have been longing to see. Speaking after the 2–1 victory over Liverpool in a game that saw Estevão Willian score a late winner at Stamford Bridge, Mikel said the Italian manager’s wild celebration reminded him of the Jose Mourinho days, when passion often matched performance.
Mikel began:
I have said it so many times: I wanted to see more connection between him and our fans. That Mourinho-type edge is what has been missing. Seeing Maresca sprint to the corner flag to celebrate with the players was absolutely brilliant. If he gets sent off every week, I will take that.
That moment was not just about celebration; it was also about unity. Chelsea fans enjoyed the victory and could not hide their excitement, as reported by Softfootball. They erupted across Stamford Bridge, and many on social media called it the night the bond between Enzo Maresca and the Chelsea faithful truly began to form.
Mikel’s co-host, John McHardy, agreed completely that such energy is exactly what brings the fans and players together and that it creates the kind of atmosphere that can change a season.
Mikel also compared Maresca’s passion to the calm demeanor of other coaches like Rúben Amorim, suggesting that showing too little emotion could send the wrong message to players. He said:
With him going like this all of the time, not watching his captain take a penalty, shaking his head. Your players, when they see that it’s not a good look, it’s not a good sign to your players. You’re telling your players that you don’t believe in them, and they don’t believe you.
For Mikel, Maresca’s outburst was not unprofessional; it was necessary. It showed belief, connection, and fight, traits Chelsea desperately needed to rediscover. After weeks of criticism, the Blues’ intensity and spirit seem to have returned. As reported by Softfootball, Reece James said after the game that the team showed fight and energy.
The video posted on The Obi One Podcast official X account highlights Maresca’s shift from perceived detachment to visible intensity, addressing earlier criticisms after Chelsea’s three defeats in four games.
Watch video below:
If passion like that continues, Mikel believes Maresca will not just win matches, but he will win hearts as well.
