Former Black Stars technical advisor Winfried Schäfer has defended Otto Addo’s tenure with the Ghana national team, insisting the sacked coach made meaningful progress despite recent setbacks.
Addo, who previously stepped down after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, was reappointed in March 2024 on a three-year contract but struggled early in his second spell after failing to guide Ghana to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He later steadied the ship by leading the Black Stars to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although a poor run of friendly results in the build-up to the tournament ultimately cost him his job. The Ghana Football Association parted ways with the former Borussia Dortmund coach following successive defeats to Austria and Germany.
Schäfer, who joined Ghana’s backroom staff in 2025, described the decision to dismiss Addo as harsh, stressing that his contribution had been significant.
“Otto did a very good job,” Schäfer told Transfermarkt.
“It’s extremely bitter, of course, that he then missed the World Cup, which he played a leading role in planning.
“That really hurts, and I still feel very sorry for him,” he added.
He also suggested that the performance against Germany should not have been used as a key measure of Addo’s overall work.
“The team’s performance in the match against Germany was by no means bad. The Austria game was probably a turning point.”
Following Addo’s departure, Ghana have appointed experienced Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz on a short-term deal to lead the team into the World Cup.
