Former Ghana midfielder, Michael Essien has opened up on why he ventured into coaching.
The 2012 UEFA Champions League winner with Chelsea is currently the assistant coach of Danish side, FC Nordsjaeland.
Speaking to BBC Africa on what influenced his decision to go into coaching, the 41-year-old said, “I just woke up one day and thought, ‘Let me start doing something,'” Essien tells BBC Sport.
“I started coaching so I could learn how it is to be a coach. Now I talk to a few of [my former managers]. Just normal talk – nothing tactical.”
Essien reflected on his experiences working under top managers during his career, including José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.
“I had some great, great managers that I was lucky to work under. I learned a few things from Jose and from Ancelotti – his calmness and how he manages his players, the way he tried to put his arms around his players.
“Now I understand a bit more why Jose would get angry,” he added.
FC Nordsjaelland confirmed on 9 September 2020, that they had affiliated with Essien as part of the club’s coaching team for the 2020–21 season.
Having played Liberty Professionals, Essien went ahead to also play for Bastia, Lyon, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung and Sabail.
Michael Essien played 59 times for Ghana and scored nine goals.
