Omanghana
Former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has confirmed his intention to return to active coaching but says he has no interest in moving into football administration.
Speaking in his first major public interview since leaving the Ghana national team, Addo said he remains open to working as either a head coach or an assistant manager.
The 50-year-old discussed his future in an interview with German football magazine 11Freunde, four months after his dismissal by the Ghana Football Association.
Addo made it clear that he would not consider becoming a technical director or accepting a similar administrative position. According to him, overseeing the long-term technical direction of a club or football association requires an extremely demanding commitment that does not suit his current priorities.
He explained that his years in high-level football had required major sacrifices from his wife and three children. As he plans the next phase of his career, Addo intends to find a healthier balance between professional responsibilities and family life.
Despite that consideration, he is not planning to step away from football. Addo said he would find fulfilment in returning to the technical area, whether as the person leading a team or supporting another coach.
Following his departure from Ghana, he accepted a temporary assignment with FIFA’s Technical Study Group for the 2026 World Cup. The role allowed him to remain involved in elite international football by analyzing tactical trends and developments during the tournament.
Addo also used the interview to express disappointment over the way the GFA ended his tenure. He claimed that the association had still not given him a clear technical explanation for his dismissal.
He questioned the expectations placed on the Black Stars during a period in which the technical team was attempting to rebuild the squad. Addo argued that some of the federation’s targets were unrealistic, considering the team’s circumstances and stage of development.
He also directed criticism at GFA President Kurt Okraku, insisting that the association expected too much from a team undergoing significant changes.
Addo guided Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was dismissed on March 31, just 72 days before the tournament began.
His removal followed a difficult series of friendly matches, including a 5-1 defeat to Austria and a 2-1 loss to Germany. The GFA subsequently appointed veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz to lead the Black Stars.
Although his tenure ended abruptly, Addo said the reaction from players reassured him that his work had been appreciated within the dressing room.
He revealed that he received more than 50 WhatsApp messages and phone calls from players after news of his dismissal emerged. The messages reportedly came from members of the current squad, veterans of Ghana’s 2022 World Cup campaign and players he had never invited to a national team camp.
Addo attributed that support to his direct and transparent relationship with players. He said he made it a point to personally explain selection decisions and tactical exclusions instead of leaving players uncertain about their positions in the team.
The former Borussia Dortmund assistant coach did not disclose whether he had received any offers or identify a preferred destination for his comeback. However, his comments suggest that his next role will remain firmly connected to coaching rather than executive management.
For now, Addo is expected to assess available opportunities while considering the professional demands of each position and its impact on his family.
Source: Omanghana
