During an illustrious 20-year playing career, Michael Essien graced some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, working under some of the game’s most revered managers. Yet, his move into coaching wasn’t inspired by emulating those figures but rather by a simple desire to stay involved in football.

“I just woke up one day and thought, ‘Let me start doing something,’” Essien says. “I started coaching to learn how it is to be a coach. I had some great, great managers, and I picked up things from them, but now I understand more about why they made certain decisions, especially when they got angry.”

Since 2020, Essien has been an assistant coach at FC Nordsjaelland, a Danish top-flight side with a unique approach to football. The club’s background and philosophy particularly appealed to the former Ghanaian international.

Unlike many professional clubs, Nordsjaelland is owned and operated by a youth academy, Right to Dream, which was founded in Ghana in 1999. The academy focuses on developing young talent both on and off the pitch, with a holistic approach that values character and education alongside footballing ability. It has produced notable players such as Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Mikkel Damsgaard, who have gone on to excel in top European leagues.

In 2019, Right to Dream purchased Nordsjaelland to create a pathway to European football for its brightest prospects. Essien’s long-standing connection with the academy’s founder, Tom Vernon, led him to join the project.

“I’ve known Tom since I was 17 or 18,” Essien recalls. “When I stopped playing, he reached out and asked what I was doing. He told me about the whole project, and when I visited, I found it to be a very nice environment. I love how they develop young boys here, giving them an opportunity to experience professional football.”

Essien was also drawn to the supportive and calm atmosphere at Nordsjaelland, which he believes is ideal for nurturing young talent. “It’s a healthy environment where everyone is ready to help whenever you need,” he adds.

For Essien, coaching isn’t just about tactics or drills—it’s about building relationships with the next generation of players. “This generation can sometimes be difficult. They think they know everything, but actually, they don’t,” he admits. “Having me around makes it easier for them to come and ask questions. I give them guidelines and advice.”

Essien is keen to remain in the background for now, focusing on learning rather than rushing into a head coach role. “I’m not thinking about being a head coach—not yet,” he says. “But when I get there, my style of play will definitely be influenced by what we’re doing here. For now, I’m still learning and developing.”

Nordsjaelland’s philosophy of developing players and coaches resonates deeply with Essien. The club actively encourages its staff to broaden their horizons, even if it means temporarily moving on to other opportunities. “We believe that learning from different cultures and environments makes us stronger,” says technical director Flemming Pedersen. “That applies to both players and coaches.”

Essien’s coaching journey has also inspired him to learn about the broader aspects of football management. “I’ve just finished a football management course,” he reveals. “It’s given me insight into how football clubs are run—the organisation, the structure, everything. I’m collecting knowledge because football goes beyond the pitch.”

His time at Nordsjaelland has been a rewarding experience, allowing him to stay close to the game while shaping the careers of young players. “For me, it’s just a pleasure to be back on the pitch, enjoying myself,” he says. “The main thing is having fun. Everything else—statistics, assists, goals—comes naturally.”

While Essien remains humble about his ambitions, his dedication to coaching and his willingness to learn suggest a bright future in management. Just as he mastered the art of midfield play, he is now quietly preparing to make his mark on the dugout.

“It’s all about taking things step by step,” he says. “I love the game and always will. Whatever happens next, I’ll always be involved in football.”