Former Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah, has recently stuck his toe in to managerial water.
Six years on from his retirement, Appiah has set his sights on a career as a manager with his dream job to manage Ghana’s national team.
In Appiah’s first step towards a career in management the 37-year-old has recently been named as the team coordinator for the Ghanaian national side.
To prepare, the former Juventus player has been spending time on the West Ham training ground observing the coaching sessions.
As well as watching the first team, Appiah also took time to have a look at the academy set up as well as speaking to several senior figures at the club to learn what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
“My dream is to be a manager in the future. Now I am at West Ham, I’m here to observe and to learn and I hope my dream comes true” said Appiah in an interview with Betway.
“I want to be in management and these are the right people to meet. I’m really honoured and excited to be here.”
Appiah reflects that while his time with West Ham was thoroughly informative that he shouldn’t get too comfortable.
“I should go to various places that’s how you can learn more and you can be the best.”
The ex Ghana captain also had the chance to sit down with senior Hammers’ players to discuss what makes a good manager.
“The most important thing for me as a manager is someone who can be honest with you, good or bad, and be understanding and demanding. They’re the three things most important to me” comments Joe Hart, a title-winner on loan from Manchester City.
For Champions League winner Patrice Evra, the most important attribute in a manager is communication.
“You will have your plan, but if you didn’t transmit it very well your players they won’t understand even if you have some good ideas.”
Club captain, Mark Noble, agreed that close communication with the gaffer is vital.
“You have to have close contact with the coach because sometimes he is gonna pull you into his office and say ‘i’m gonna play this way today and you might not agree with it but I need you to lead by example.”
West Ham players and fans alike will be hoping to see these traits exemplified in the coming season by their new manger Manuel Pellegrini.
