Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has explained his decision to decline the assistant coaching role for the Black Stars.
Before the reappointment of Otto Addo on a three-year contract in March 2024, following the sacking of Chris Hughton, reports emerged that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) was in discussions with Essien regarding the assistant coaching position.
However, Essien ultimately chose to reject the offer. The GFA later announced John Paintsil and Joseph Laumann as the new assistant coaches for the senior national team.
In discussing his decision, Essien, who currently serves as an assistant coach at FC Nordsjælland, stated that he felt he was not ready for the role.
“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.
Having played in the 2010 and 2015 AFCON finals, Essien beleives that the four-time African champions will soon win a trophy.
“It’s sad I couldn’t win any trophy during my playing with the Black Stars but I am convinced the team will win a trophy soon.”
After failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the GFA announced Desmond Ofei as the new head coach, replacing assistant coach Laumann.