Michael Essien believes that footballers who were active during his playing days will eventually emerge as excellent coaches if they take that step in their profession after retirement.
The former Ghana international has ventured into coaching and has already received his UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth coaching licenses, which allow him to manage at the highest level.
Essien is currently serving as the assistant coach Danish side, FC Nordsjaelland.
According to him, he is confident that it is right for himself and other colleagues to engage in coaching and believes it won’t be long before their impact is felt in the football world.
“I think it’s just a matter of time before you start seeing our generation of footballers becoming top-level coaches [in Europe]. If you are smart enough and you have a passion for the game and still want to do something in and around the sport, the opportunities will come,” he told DW.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid ace also advised football fans to lower their expectations and remain patient for great players who have transitioned into coaching. According to him, it is not a guarantee for a great player to be automatically a great coach after retirement.
“People think that because you’ve been a professional player at the highest levels, it is easy to get into coaching, but it’s totally different,” he said.
“That’s why I have managed to take my time and take it day by day," he added.
During his playing day, Essien won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and the Champions League.