INTERVIEW

The ex-Chelsea star has moved into coaching at Danish side Nordsjælland, after a successful playing career followed an early rejection at... Burnley?!

So, you joined Nordsjælland as an assistant coach last summer...

I’ve been learning from friends and doing my badges, and the team has been growing. The people have taken to me and been very supportive and encouraging, which is vital during this COVID period. There were chances to go and do it in mainland Europe, but I chose Nordsjælland. It’s been the best place for me to get the practice and attention to detail that I need.

How have you been coping with life since the pandemic began?

I’ve been doing all right. Obviously it’s so mentally draining, having to keep away from a lot of things that made living beautiful – things like hugging colleagues, handshakes and even the close spaces we share with people on the pitch. It’s all just gone away, but I’m trying. Denmark has been quite OK, and I’m living every day hoping the sun will shine again for us all soon.

Do you keep in touch with Chelsea?

Yes, I do. I still own a house around Cobham, so I go in there to work out when I’m in London. I speak to some of the workers in the building and it hasn’t changed that much, as a lot of the same guys have worked there all their lives. It’s always nice to see them and have a catch-up. Sadly, COVID has meant that it’s not as often as it used to be, but I still keep in touch with my Chelsea people.