Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has attributed his success at Leicester City to the influence of his former coach, Enzo Maresca, who has now joined Chelsea.
Following a challenging period in Portugal, Issahaku hit his stride after joining Leicester City on loan, where he benefited greatly from the guidance of then-coach Maresca.
During his time at Leicester, the 20-year-old showcased his skills by scoring an impressive six goals and providing 13 assists in the Championship, which played a pivotal role in the Foxes' triumphant return to the English Premier League.
In an interview at the Ghana Football Awards on Saturday, Fatawu expressed his gratitude towards Maresca, emphasizing the confidence and guidance the coach instilled in him during the league.
This newfound self-assurance made it easier for Fatawu to perform at his best, and he was not surprised by his outstanding performance.
"I think it is the confidence he gave me, how he guided me during the league,” Fatawu said on JoyPrime. “When I got the opportunity, I got more confidence. That was why it was easier to put out what I [did]. It was just something that I was not surprised about.”
However, Fatawu will no longer have the opportunity to work directly with Maresca, as the coach has moved on to Chelsea. Steve Cooper has taken over as Leicester City's new coach.
Fatawu's exceptional form extended beyond the club level, as he continued to excel on the international stage.
He made significant contributions during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic in June, both scoring and assisting goals for his national team.