Essien opens up on unexpected coaching career, says, 'I went into coaching to avoid slipping into depression'

Farum, Denmark - Former Ghanaian international and Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien, has revealed that coaching was not initially part of his post-retirement plans.

However, the 41-year-old has found a new passion in shaping young talents.

In an exclusive interview with Joy Sports Editor, Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo, at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland's base in Farum, Essien shared his journey into coaching and said he never intended to enter coaching after his career, but soon made the decision because he did not want to be at home depressed after his career.

"When I was playing, if you asked me if I wanted to go into coaching, I would say no," he began. 

"But as time passed, I started thinking: I’ve been in football all my life; why not take up coaching and acquire my licenses to still stay in football and be around the players?

"I took this decision to go into coaching because I didn’t want to be one of these ex-players who finish their careers, go home, and start thinking about what they want to do, only to get into depression.

Essien, who boasts an impressive playing career spanning over two decades, holds a UEFA License A coaching certificate.

Despite accumulating extensive coaching experience over the past four years, Michael Essien remains unenthusiastic about taking on a full-time managerial role.

"I am not thinking about being a head coach it is too stressful. I don’t want all that pressure with media, fans, camera in your face but you never know. Times have changed and this is a different generation. You have to be a role model to them and at the same time like a big brother to get the best out of them," he said.

He joined FC Nordsjaelland in 2020 as an Individual Player Coach, working closely with the club's youngsters.

The former Lyon and Real Madrid star began his professional career in 2000 with French outfit Bastia. He went on to play for seven other clubs, including Chelsea, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2012.

Source : Lead News Online