Otto Addo did his best for Ghana, says Asamoah Gyan

Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has expressed gratitude to former Black Stars coach Otto Addo for his contribution to Ghana football.

Addo, 50, was relieved of his role in March 2026 following Black Stars' back-to-back defeats against Austria and Germany as part of their preparatory games ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has since named Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz as his successor.

Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV, 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 for the AFCON. So that mark was already there, and it got to a time when 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, but when results are not coming the way people want, they can make 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 for the AFCON, he was able to qualify the team for 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 you did 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.

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.

Queiroz will test the readiness of the team against Mexico in a friendly on May 22.