'Now I understand why Jose Mourinho got angry' - FC Nordsjaelland assistant coach Michael Essien opens

Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien, now an assistant coach at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland, shared insights into his transition from playing to coaching football.

Essien, who won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, joined the club’s coaching staff in the 2020–21 season.

In an interview with BBC Africa, he explained that his decision to pursue coaching stemmed from a desire to learn and understand the coaching role.

Reflecting on his experiences under top managers like José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, Essien praised their leadership styles, especially Ancelotti's calmness and Mourinho's fiery passion.

Essien’s playing career spanned clubs like Chelsea, Lyon, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, alongside 59 caps for the Ghana national team.