Tianjin TEDA coach, Jaime Pacheo, has explained why he decided to play John Obi Mikelas a central defender, in their goalless draw with Jiangsu Suning on Friday. Mikel Obi partnered Pan Xi Ming in defence, as TEDA recorded their first point of the current Chinese Super League season.

“Mikel is not a central defender, but he was willing to help the team,” Pacheo told sports.enorth.com.cn. “Before the game I had a personal conversation with him (Mikel) and he said he can play in the position, which was very good for us.“He had a very good performance, his partnership with Pan Xi Ming in the center-back gave no chance to Jiangsu Suning. “He showed with his quality on how well the role should be played especially how he communicated with histeammates.”Tianjin TEDA occupy the 11th position on the CSL table and face Chongqing Lifan in their next game on April 2.
http://www..ng/sport/mikel-obi-converted-defender-chinese-club-see-details

Mikel obi, your story is of that Grace to Grass.


From midfielder to defender. Your honorable end, very soon you will be used as a keeper n from there you will be seen Hawking newspaper...


Had it been you worked hard like messi, your playmate, you should be contemplating playing 9 or 8 by now.


This goes out to all nairalander, stay humble n work hard

if they like convert him to goal keeper, as long as he's collecting is phat pay....

I don't care what they convert him to, as long as he is not going to drive a taxi o r sell ice cream at the end of the turnel

What was he before? Is it not back pass or was he striker. Even if u convert him to ball boy, na your money matter to him and not the position he is playing. Oloju kan loga nilu afoju o. So na mikel the coach dey praise as a central defense mid fielder like this. Someone that is the captain in chelsea bench quickly turn your nationa team captain. God pick my calls too o.