Former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien has recently shared his thoughts on the importance of humility and learning from coaches and experienced players, particularly for young footballers. In an interview quoted by the BBC, Essien expressed his views on the current generation of players, suggesting that many of them often overestimate their understanding of the game and life in general. “This generation can sometimes be difficult. They think they know the world, but actually, they don’t know anything,” Essien remarked, highlighting the gap between young players’ perceptions and the reality of their knowledge. He emphasized that his own experience can be valuable for them, saying, “Having someone like me around makes it easy for them to come and ask questions. I’m always ready to give them advice and guidance.”
Essien, who was a key player in Chelsea’s 2012 UEFA Champions League-winning team, also reflected on his transition into coaching, a path he had not originally considered during his playing days. “When I was playing, I never imagined stepping into coaching,” he confessed. However, as his playing career neared its end, he realized that football was his passion and expertise, prompting him to pursue a coaching role. He explained, “I wanted to keep my routine going and understand the ideas and strategies behind coaching. That’s how the journey began.”
Now an assistant coach at FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, Essien is dedicated to helping young players develop their skills and reach their full potential. He shared, “I do my best to support the young boys coming through so they can achieve something in their careers.” His new role has also given him fresh insights into the challenges faced by managers, particularly his former coach Jose Mourinho. “Now, I understand why coaches, like Mourinho, would get so animated on the sidelines,” Essien remarked, gaining a deeper appreciation for the intensity and frustrations of coaching.
