From Midfield General to Mentorship in Denmark

Michael Essien, a football legend celebrated for his commanding presence in midfield, has offered a glimpse into his ongoing transition from player to coach. Currently serving as an assistant coach at FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, the former Ghana international is discovering the nuances of life on the sidelines.

Essien, who famously lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with Chelsea in 2012, began his coaching career during the 2020–21 season, officially joining Nordsjaelland’s coaching staff on September 9, 2020. In a recent interview with BBC Africa, the 41-year-old revealed what inspired him to step into this new role.

“I just woke up one day and thought, ‘Let me start doing something,’” Essien shared. “I started coaching so I could learn what it’s like to be a coach.”

Reflecting on his time under world-class managers such as José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, Essien acknowledged how their methods have influenced his approach.

“I had some great, great managers. I learned from José and Ancelotti—like Ancelotti’s calmness and how he managed players, always putting an arm around them. Now, I even understand why Mourinho would get angry sometimes,” he admitted.

Essien’s illustrious playing career spanned clubs across the globe, including stints at Liberty Professionals, Bastia, Lyon, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung, and Sabail. On the international stage, he earned 59 caps for Ghana, scoring nine goals and representing the Black Stars in three FIFA World Cups.

Now at Nordsjaelland, Essien focuses on mentoring young players while steadily building his understanding of the coaching world. Though still learning, his insights into the game and experiences with top managers make him a valuable asset in developing the next generation of talent.