The Rational Ref | A chat with Marcel Desailly
While deciding on his next move, former top defender keeps busy with projects such as developing his Ghana youth academy
True to his characteristic playing style as a dashing, dynamic and distinguished defender, Marcel Desailly whizzed into town recently, made some bold statements, and promptly zoomed out again. Rational Ref tackled him on some topical issues.
. Desailly, 44, revealed he had just completed his Uefa Pro Licence in England, meaning the former France and Chelsea captain is now eligible to coach in the top divisions in Europe. "I believe my 20 years experience as a soccer player and now having a Pro Licence - the combination of the two - will probably allow me to be a good coach," he says. "I hope I can be as successful in the coaching business as I was as a player. I'm very happy. Now I can bring my life and career to another level."
"It depends on the opportunity and the potential of the players. The capacity for me to develop my skills in a club or a national team is especially important. There might be a national team that has not won anything and if there is a huge potential to work with the players and management, then the contact [coaching capacity] you have with the people is important."
"Ideally, it would be in-between. Because if you fail at a big club like Manchester United, they will straight away point the finger at you, saying you are not at the level. And if you succeed, then fine, that is [expected] because you have the players, the facilities, and the logistics to succeed. What is key in the coaching business is if you take a small club and you succeed, then it is clear you have made the difference as a coach."