Michael Essien reaffirms he’s not ready to take on head coach role

Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has reiterated his decision not to pursue a head coach role at this stage of his career.

Despite his successful playing career and recent transition into coaching, Essien has made it clear that he is not yet prepared to take on the responsibilities of a head coach.

Essien, who is currently serving as an assistant coach at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland, has been gradually adapting to his coaching role since joining the club in the 2020–21 season.

The 41-year-old has expressed his desire to learn more about coaching before considering a head coach position. His decision to ease into the role reflects a thoughtful approach to his career after transitioning from one of Africa's most celebrated footballers to a coach.

Speaking in a recent interview, Essien shared that his focus right now is on learning the intricacies of coaching and gaining valuable experience under the guidance of more seasoned professionals.

While Essien has worked with top managers during his playing career, including José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the full scope of the coaching profession before taking on such a prominent role.

“I just woke up one day and thought, ‘Let me start doing something,’” Essien explained. “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’s coaching philosophy is shaped by the lessons he learned from mentors during his playing days. He credited managers like Mourinho for his passion and Ancelotti for his calmness and the way he managed players.

These experiences have helped Essien in his current role and continue to influence his approach to coaching.

While Essien is not actively seeking a head coach role, his time as an assistant coach has been a valuable learning experience.

His work at FC Nordsjaelland has provided him with the opportunity to further develop his understanding of the game from a tactical and managerial perspective.

Essien’s decision to take a measured approach to coaching shows his commitment to personal growth and his desire to excel in a career after football.

As the assistant coach of FC Nordsjaelland, he is focused on supporting the team and gaining the experience necessary to one day step into a more senior coaching role when the time is right.

Though Essien has not ruled out taking on a head coach role in the future, he is content with his current position, knowing that patience and continuous learning will be key to his success in coaching.

For now, Essien’s journey as a coach is just beginning, and his future in the profession looks promising.