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West Ham icon was as strong as Michael Essien and left Mourinho furious

If West Ham United were to put on some sort of community sports day, with a host of former players engaged in a tug-of-war contest…

Hammers News

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 12:30 PM

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Carlton Cole claimed former West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker matched Michael Essien's physical strength.
A 2005-06 tackle by Reo-Coker injured Essien's ankle and left Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho furious.
The injury sustained in the tackle ruled Essien out of the subsequent Africa Cup of Nations.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole stated on The Dressing Room Podcast that former Hammers captain Nigel Reo-Coker matched the immense physical strength of Michael Essien. Cole, who played alongside Essien at Indonesian club Persib Bandung, highlighted Reo-Coker as one of the few players capable of rivaling the Ghanaian midfielder in power.

Cole recalled a fierce 2005-06 Premier League clash between West Ham and Chelsea where Reo-Coker tackled Essien, damaging the midfielder's ankle ligaments. The challenge incensed Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who believed the tackle warranted a red card after it ruled Essien out of the Africa Cup of Nations.

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West Ham icon was as strong as Michael Essien and left Mourinho furious

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