Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has expressed gratitude to former Black Stars coach Otto Addo for his contribution to Ghana football following his dismissal by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Speaking on Channel One TV’s World Cup Central on Friday, May 8, Gyan said Otto Addo did his best with the players available to him despite the team’s recent struggles.
“For me he did what he had to do. The calibre of players he had, he had to use them,” he said.
He noted that public disappointment grew after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while poor results in international friendlies also increased pressure on the coach.
“People were very disappointed when we didn’t qualify to the AFCON. So that mark was already there and it got to a time the friendly games were also part of it, we weren’t getting the results that we should get,” he stated.
According to Gyan, coaching decisions are often based on results and do not necessarily reflect the ability of a coach.
“It happens everywhere. You can be the best coach in the world, when results are not coming like the way people want they can take a decision. It doesn’t mean you are a bad coach,” he said.
The former striker also defended Otto Addo’s achievements, pointing out that he guided Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Although we didn’t qualify to the AFCON, he was able to qualify the team to the World Cup,” Gyan added.
He said decisions regarding the future of coaches are ultimately taken by football authorities.
“Everything depends on the big men who are behind it — how they see it. We are technical men, we cannot say why did you do it. We can chip in what we think. But at the end of the day they make decisions and they feel this decision is better for Ghana,” he explained.
Gyan urged Ghanaians to support whoever is appointed as the next Black Stars coach.
“Bringing in a new coach we shouldn’t look down on the coach because he is one of the best coaches when we talk about CVs and everything,” he said.
He concluded by thanking Otto Addo for his service to the national team.
“So what Otto Addo did for Ghana is good for himself, he was able to qualify the team for the World Cup. So I will like to thank him for what he has done for Ghana and I wish him nothing but the best,” he said.
The GFA recently announced Otto Addo’s dismissal following a string of poor performances by the Black Stars, including defeats in international friendlies against Austria national football team and Germany national football team.
The Black Stars are set to compete in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside England national football team, Panama national football team and Croatia national football team.
