In the latest sports news today, Michael Essien, a former Black Stars midfielder, has said that he is not rushing into coaching jobs because he believes he needs more experience first.
Recently, Essien dismissed rumours that he would one day take over as head coach of the senior national team, the Ghana Black Stars, saying, “He’s not interested.”
Since his retirement from football, the ex-Chelsea player has been pursuing his coaching licence and recently obtained his UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth coaching certificates. Essien is also studying for his UEFA Pro licence, which would prepare him for head coaching positions with professional teams.
Michael Essien explained to DW why he had waited so long to start looking for a coaching position.
He explained that people often mistake experience as a professional player for an easy transition into coaching.
“People think that because you’ve been a professional player at the highest levels, it is easy to get into coaching, but it’s totally different. That’s why I have managed to take my time and take it day by day.” he said.
After Essien retires as a coach in 2020, FC Nordsjaelland owner Tom Vernon has invited him to return to the organisation as a member of the coaching staff. He fell in love with coaching young athletes at the camp.
Essien is confident that he and other African ex-professionals will soon be hired for prominent coaching positions around the world.
“I think it’s just a matter of time before you start seeing our generation of footballers becoming top-level coaches in Europe. If you are smart enough and you have a passion for the game and still want to do something in and around the sport, the opportunities will come.” Essien told DW.“
Michael Essien Wife
Michael Essien is married to Akosua Puni Essien, a British-Ghanaian citizen, and the couple has two children together. Their marriage has been kept extremely private since they exchanged vows in a private ceremony in London.
