Former Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien has opened up about his transition from a successful playing career to his current role as an assistant coach at Danish club FC Nordsjælland.
The 41-year-old, who famously lifted the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, joined the coaching staff of FC Nordsjælland for the 2020–21 season. The club officially announced his appointment on September 9, 2020.
In an insightful interview with BBC Africa, Essien shared the inspiration behind his move into coaching, stating, “I just woke up one day and thought, ‘Let me start doing something.’” He explained that his primary goal was to learn the ins and outs of coaching. “I started coaching so I could learn how it is to be a coach,” Essien added. “Now I talk to a few of my former managers. Just normal talk – nothing tactical.”
Reflecting on his playing days under renowned managers such as José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, Essien noted the valuable lessons he took from each. “I had some great, great managers that I was lucky to work under,” he said. “I learned a few things from José and from Ancelotti – his calmness and how he manages his players, the way he tried to put his arms around his players.”
Essien further elaborated on Mourinho’s intense approach, saying, “Now I understand a bit more why José would get angry,” recognizing the passion and drive behind his former manager’s emotional responses.
Before taking on a coaching role, Essien had an illustrious playing career with clubs like Liberty Professionals, Bastia, Lyon, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung, and Sabail. On the international stage, he earned 59 caps for the Ghana national team, scoring nine goals.
