Mikel: I Am Not A Monster

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Mikel: I am not a monster

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has hit back at criticism of his disciplinary record and insists he is not a 'killer' on the pitch.

Mikel was handed his fourth red card since joining the Blues when he was given his marching orders in Tuesday's Carling Cup clash with Everton.

The Nigerian international received his most recent dismissal for a studs-up challenge on Everton's Phil Neville in the semi-final first leg, but Mikel insists he is not a dirty player.

"I honestly believe I did not deserve the red card," Mikel told the Daily Star.

"If people look at my record at Chelsea with four reds, they would believe I was some sort of monster.

"But I am not a killer on the field. I play with force and to win every match but really the amount of reds I have been given is very excessive in my opinion.

"Perhaps the referees do not understand my style. I have seen much tougher tackles in games where players have not been sent off."

And Mikel has revealed he has asked for advice from Chelsea team-mate Michael Essien, who was also criticised for his physical style when he arrived in England.

"Essien has given me some advice because he went through this as well," Mikel added. "Things have changed for him now and I hope they do for me."

[Mungii 3]

He is just oplaying hard.....and some of the rad cards weren't red car...think of Man utd one..

[Ollie 4,400]

Hes not a monster, just a dirty fucking bastard.

[bigbluewillie 1,930]

Hes not a monster, just a dirty fucking bastard.

i cant believe you've made that statement.....he's far from that, i'd say he's reckless at times but as he say's he'll sort it out with the help of The Ess.

[captainmarvel 1]

He's still young, and will become more mature and stop the 'reckless' challenges. But atleast 2 of the 4 reds were ridiculous decisions and at most a yellow

[Ollie 4,400]

well he better learn quick, his tackles are terrible. Essien's no angel himself. Even Mikels tackles that didn't warent red cards were reckless. He'll get a lot more.

Edited January 12, 2008 by OllieCFC

[misschief 24]

Course he aint a monster, he's committed. Ok he goes in hard but half his cards are a bloody joke anyway.

Mikel's been class this season imo and for those prepared to have a go at him, would you rather have a player like Mikel - a little over-zealous but 100% committed or some pussy, shying away from every tackle, no bottle but a great disciplinary record?

[Ollie 4,400]

like Robben lol. Yeah i agree in a way but his tackles are shit, he just goes in to hurt players, he ignores the ball completely i think.

[kbchel 2]

ref are usually abit harsh on Chelsea....

our player were sent off so often that we can even win with 10 men

[misschief 24]

like Robben lol. Yeah i agree in a way but his tackles are shit, he just goes in to hurt players, he ignores the ball completely i think.

How did you know I had Robben in mind?

I disagree he goes in to hurt players, I dont think thats the case at all. He goes in hard, but he goes for the ball. To an extent he needs to work on cleaning up his tackles, but not to the point where he starts over-thinking it.

[True_Blue 469]

''Mikel: I am not a monster''

Totally agree mate

[Mungii 3]

That's the boy hahaha

[Ollie 4,400]

TB

He does go in to hurt players, he goes in high, he goes in reckless and he now has a bad reputation. You're only trying to win the pissing ball,

[misschief 24]

TB

He does go in to hurt players, he goes in high, he goes in reckless and he now has a bad reputation. You're only trying to win the pissing ball,

Easy tiger. So he's not perfect........yet. I still don't think its done with intent.

[Elliott 7]

Both of his sending offs this season have been unjustified. He does make some bad tackles, but few of them are red worthy.