Ex Super Eagles forward John Utaka dreams of UCL win as Coach
John Utaka has revealed his dream of becoming the first African Coach to win the UEFA Champions league title.
41-year old Utaka has a UEFA A Coaching license and is currently pursuing a UEFA Pro badge. The 49-cap former Nigerian International is eyeing a coaching job in Europe to fulfill his dream.
“If the opportunity comes to coach a team in Europe, I will embrace it,” Utaka told DW.
“My dream is to win the trophies that I didn’t win as a player. I want to win them as a coach. We’ve never had an African coach win the Champions League.
” That is a goal for me.” the former Portsmouth forward said.
African Coaches have not had a breakthrough in managing top European Clubs and so Utaka will have to convince top clubs of his managerial ability to get the chance he so seeks.
Utaka is no stranger to achieving historic feats, In 2012, the forward scored a brace vs Auxerre to confirm Montpellier as French Ligue One champions. The first in the clubs history.
His time at Montpellier produced 12 goals in 68 appearances and so when the Nigerian returned in search of a coaching job, he was graciously appointed assistant coach of the clubs U-19`s in 2020.
A member of Portsmouth`s English FA Cup title wining squad in 2008, John Utaka will hope to rise through the ranks at Montpellier till he arrives at a UEFA Champions league playing club.
