French football legend and former Ghana international Marcel Desailly has expressed sympathy for former Black Stars coach Otto Addo, insisting the trainer was unfortunate to lose his job despite guiding Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Addo, who returned for a second spell as Ghana coach in March 2024, was dismissed in March this year after a disappointing run of results, including four consecutive defeats in international friendlies against Austria and Germany.
Speaking to Flashscore, Desailly said he still holds Addo in high regard and believes circumstances played a significant role in his departure.
“I love the previous coach (Otto Addo),” he told Flashscore. “He was unlucky that they did not perform during the friendlies. But I believe that Queiroz will bring his own touch into the system. I talk about the system.
“In Ghana and many other countries, the system is that sometimes the coach has to adapt to what the management and administration are telling him, you see?” the 1998 World Cup winner added.
Desailly, who was born in Accra and has maintained close ties with Ghana throughout his career, suggested that coaching in African football often comes with challenges beyond what happens on the pitch.
Although Addo was unable to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, he successfully led Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ensuring the Black Stars returned to football’s biggest stage.
His successor, Carlos Queiroz, now faces the task of leading the four-time African champions through a difficult World Cup group.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama at BMO Field on June 17 before taking on England at Gillette Stadium on June 23. They will conclude their group-stage matches against Croatia on June 27 as they seek a place in the knockout rounds.
