Former Nigerian international John Obi Mikel has called for understanding and empathy toward Liverpool players, reminding fans that the team is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of a recent tragedy.
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder addressed the wave of criticism following Liverpool’s struggles under manager Arne Slot.
Mikel urged supporters and pundits to show patience, emphasizing that the club’s players are still emotionally scarred.
“Let’s not forget that a massive tragedy has occurred at the club, one that no one expected,” Mikel said. “Losing such an important person will always affect these players.”
Liverpool have endured a turbulent spell, marked by inconsistency and a visible drop in morale. Their latest 0-3 defeat against Crystal Palace at Anfield, in the Capital One Cup round of 16, only deepened the sense of crisis. Yet, Mikel insists that criticism alone cannot solve the issue, as emotional wounds take time to heal.
“Something like that hits you emotionally, and it stays with you. The emotion is always very raw,” Mikel continued.
“When people lose someone close, it’s not something you move on from quickly. Footballers are human too.”
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner singled out Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, suggesting that his performances reflect the deep emotional toll of recent events.
“When you look at Mohamed Salah right now, who was very close to Jota, you can see he’s a shadow of his former self,” Mikel said.
“We need to be careful and a little more understanding in the way we criticize this Liverpool team.”
Mikel’s remarks highlight the often-overlooked psychological side of football. For him, empathy should come before judgment, especially in moments of personal and collective pain.
He believes supporters and analysts alike must recognize that athletes are not immune to grief, loss, or emotional fatigue.
His words have resonated with many fans who see his comments as a necessary reminder that football’s competitive demands often overshadow the human reality behind the sport.
Mikel, who faced intense scrutiny throughout his own Premier League career, understands the pressures that players face when trying to perform under emotional strain.
Liverpool’s current challenges extend beyond the tactical and technical aspects of the game.
The club’s recent setbacks reveal a group of players still searching for balance amid emotional distress
. While Arne Slot faces questions about form and results, Mikel insists that compassion should guide the public response.
“Sometimes we forget that behind every loss or mistake, there are people going through things we can’t see,” he added.
“They need time, support, and understanding. That’s how real healing starts.”
Mikel’s call for empathy has reignited discussions about mental health in football, reinforcing the importance of emotional well-being alongside athletic performance.
His message serves as a timely reminder that resilience in sport often depends not just on tactics, but on compassion and solidarity.
