Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has opened up about his decision to turn down the opportunity to become the assistant coach of the Black Stars.
Before Otto Addo was reappointed on a three-year contract following the dismissal of Chris Hughton, reports suggested that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) had approached the former Chelsea and Real Madrid star for the role.
However, Essien declined the offer, leading the GFA to appoint John Paintsil and Joseph Laumann as Addo’s deputies.
Speaking on his decision, Essien, who currently serves as an assistant coach at Danish club FC Nordsjaelland, revealed that he did not feel prepared for the position.
“I would not say I refused, but I was just not ready for that job,” he told Sporty FM.
“I was approached by Otto Addo and the president [Kurt Okraku], but I felt I was not ready,” he added.
Despite not winning a major trophy with Ghana during his playing career, Essien remains optimistic about the team’s future success.
“It’s sad I couldn’t win any trophy during my time with the Black Stars, but I am convinced the team will win a trophy soon.”
Meanwhile, following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Joseph Laumann has been replaced by Desmond Ofei as one of the assistant coaches.