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I took inspiration from Sir Alex Ferguson & Arsene Wenger to write my book- Kwesi Appiah

Former Black Stars coach James Kwesi Appiah has said that he took inspiration from Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger to author his book titled “Leaders don’t have to yell”.

Kwesi Appiah

Appiah’s book “Leaders don’t have to yell” will be launched over multiple legged events across the country beginning with Kumasi, on January 24, Sunyani on January 28 and Accra on January 31.

He has disclosed that he was encouraged to come up with his book after reading Sir Alex Ferguson’s My Autobiography and Arsene Wenger’s book titled Arsene Wenger – The Inside story of Arsenal under Arsene.

“I understood why they took certain decisions and how they handled certain complex situations,” he told Joy Sports in an interview.

The 59-year-old, who also played for Black Stars between 1987 and 1992, said he chose these two coaching icons as mentoring figures because of their experiences gathered which were also crowned with big achievements. “They also made some very big players and managed their expectations and egos.”

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“The book gets everyone close to me. I do appreciate the space I have operated in. When the results don’t go well everyone will criticize and think they know you better than everyone else.”

“What people do not know is that every decision I have taken or the way I have conducted myself is informed by something. The fact that I am calm and keep a cool demeanour doesn’t mean I am weak. In fact, quiet people are the toughest,” he said.

Kwesi Appiah recounted many instances where the Black Stars management committee had major disagreements with him concerning the players he had selected.

One of the many examples is our recent game against South Africa where I selected quite a number of new faces and this did not go well with the management team but I stood my ground and Kudus Mohammed of Norsjelland FC scored on his debut,” he added.

According to Kwesi Appiah, he was always bold to take risks, one of which was including the likes of Kudus, who eventually scored on his debut for Ghana to vindicate the decision.

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According to former Asante Kotoko defender, the nation will eventually benefit from the players he has produced and given opportunities in the senior national team.

“I have great joy anytime I see all these players I gave the opportunity, perform well for the national team and their respective clubs. At the end of the day, the biggest winner is our beloved nation Ghana and that should be the focus of everyone who gets the opportunity to serve in that space.”

“The supreme interest of the nation is most paramount,” he added.

James Kwesi Appiah’s contract with the Black Stars expired in December and the new Ghana Football Association has replaced him with his assistant CK Akunnor.

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