“He did his best” – Gyan defends Otto Addo after Ghana exit

Former Ghana national football team captain Asamoah Gyan has spoken positively about former head coach Otto Addo, expressing appreciation for his contribution to the national team despite recent difficulties.

Otto Addo, 50, was relieved of his duties in March 2026 after the Black Stars suffered consecutive defeats to Austria and Germany in international friendlies as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Since his departure, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has appointed Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach.

Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV, Gyan said Otto Addo worked within the limitations of the squad available to him and did what he could under challenging circumstances.

“In my view, he did his part. With the group of players he had, he had to work with them,” Gyan stated.

He acknowledged that public frustration had been building following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with further disappointment from poor results in friendly matches increasing pressure on the coach.

“People were really disappointed after we missed out on AFCON. That already created pressure, and when the friendly results also didn’t go our way, it added to it,” he explained.

Gyan added that coaching decisions are often heavily influenced by results rather than overall capability.

“This happens everywhere. Even a top coach can be judged based on results. It doesn’t necessarily mean he is not good,” he said.

He also highlighted Otto Addo’s achievement in guiding Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing it as a significant positive in his tenure.

“Even though AFCON qualification didn’t happen, he still managed to get the team to the World Cup,” Gyan noted.

According to him, final decisions about coaching changes rest with football administrators, who evaluate performance from their own perspective.

“These decisions are made by those in charge. As technical people, we can only give our opinions, but ultimately they decide what is best for the country,” he said.

Gyan concluded by expressing gratitude to Otto Addo for his service to the national team and wished him well in his future endeavors.

“I want to thank him for what he has done for Ghana. He helped the team qualify for the World Cup, and I wish him all the best,” he added.

The Black Stars, now under Queiroz, are expected to test their readiness in a friendly against Mexico on May 22.