Essien talked me into becoming a coach – Stephen Appiah

pulse-ghana admin 10:06 - 09 March 2017

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Stephen Appiah says Michael Essien played a major role in his decision to consider taking up a coaching role.

Appiah is a distinguished figure in Ghana football, having captained the West African country for nearly a decade.

The former Juventus and Fernabache midfielder enjoyed a trophy-laden stint at club level, and was a key member of the Ghana side that qualified for a first World Cup in the nation’s history in 2006, before retiring from active football in 2015.

His spirited persona, coupled with his leadership skills led to calls for the 36-year-old to get his coaching badges – something he is currently undertaking.

And Appiah has now opened up on what made him considering taking up a coaching role, insisting Essien and other former teammates “urged” him go for it.

Appiah told Fox FM: “I was having a different plan altogether as to what career I may pursuit when I retire from active football.

“I quite remember three years ago when Michael Essien and my other playing mates in Europe urged me to go into coaching.

''They suggested by motivating me that, from the way I command a maximum respect from my team-mates, it'll be prudent for me to become a coach judging from the knowledge I've gained on and off the field as a player and were very certain that I'll succeed in it.

''So I decided to ponder over it and I came to a conclusion that I will take up my coaching badges course. I've already registered for the course and very soon I'll acquire my certificate of which I'm looking forward to be working with it in the near future.''

Stephen Appiah is one of the names being mooted as a possible candidate to replace Avram Grant, and with the former captain set to acquire his coaching badges soon, it remains to be seen if he would be considered for the job.