Jermain Defoe, a former Tottenham forward, recently revealed that he draws inspiration from former Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton.
Chris Hughton is among the few black coaches who have had the opportunity to coach in the English Premier League.
Defoe expressed that Hughton’s career serves as a beacon of hope, indicating that he, too, can have the chance to coach at the top level as a black individual.
“For me going into management and hopefully getting an opportunity, it can show the next generation that if you do want to become a coach, look I’ve done it,” he told the PA news agency.
The former Spurs forward continued, “He’s (Chris Hughton) had a fantastic career so I look at that and I know there has not been many. Troy Deeney recently lost his job, Darren Moore too and Patrick Vieira was obviously at Palace.”
During the interview, Jermain Defoe stated that he aspires to coach at that level but not solely based on his race. He emphasized that he wants the opportunity because he has the capability to excel at the top level.
“I don’t want a job because I am black and it ticks boxes, I want to get a job because I am good enough and I’ve done the hard work I needed to do,” he shared.
“I am more than confident that when the opportunity comes, I will do well,” he concluded.
