Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, and Jurgen Klopp dominate the pantheon of soccer’s all-time superb managers. Being such a phenomenal manager obviously comes with a lot of stubbornness. Mourinho is famous for his steadfastness in his philosophy. But former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel thinks the Portuguese boss is not as stubborn as a Guardiola or a Klopp.

John Obi Mikel played for Chelsea during both of Mourinho’s stints at Stamford Bridge. In a recent episode of Obi Mikel’s podcast, he laid bare how Jose Mourinho differed from Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.

Obi Mikel details how Jose Mourinho is different from Guardiola and Klopp

In a recent episode of ‘The Obi One Podcast,’ guest Victor Boniface told the hosts how stubborn of a boss Xabi Alonso is. John Obi-Mikel soon added his two cents to the conversation on strict managers. Per his account, senior players had a say in tactical changes during his day. “The likes of  Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, were willing to give an ear when senior players called for a different strategy. But the Man City boss begs to differ. “But then when I look at the likes of Pep now, and Klopp, I don’t think these guys change,” said John Obi Mikel.

“They would not change from their philosophy, because they know what they are doing is right. You have to buy in. If you do it right, it works.” Speaking of Jose Mourinho not being his stubborn self, the experienced manager himself had once recalled how he had to back-track from one of his gestures. And it was Manchester United who saw Mourinho’s not-so-hellbent self once.

Mourinho once had made a compromise at Manchester United

Weeks back, Mourinho appeared as a guest in Obi-Mikel’s show. “At Manchester United, I changed a player at half-time… his agent was then accusing me of bullying. I had to change. I remember these times, and I laugh about these times, but it’s different times,” said Jose Mourinho. Mou had further added that it was he who changed, but not Man United.

READ MORE: Forced to Cry & Beg, Jose Mourinho Blasts Premier League, Recalling Chelsea’s 2014 Triumph Over Liverpool

He said that he had asked Manchester United to get rid of certain players and staff as he deemed them detrimental to the club. Even these many years after Mourinho left, those Man United members still continue at Old Trafford. Anyhow, these certain minute instances of compromise aside, Jose Mourinho’s managerial stint is nothing short of a dream. What are your thoughts on John Obi-Mikel’s revelation? Tell us in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: Cristiano Jr’s Insane Training Schedule