Former Ghana international John Paintsil has strongly criticised the Ghana Football Association for dismissing head coach Otto Addo just months before the FIFA World Cup, describing the decision as poorly timed and potentially damaging to team stability.
In an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, the ex-defender, who earned 89 caps and featured for West Ham United, Fulham FC, and Leicester City, questioned the logic behind parting ways with a coach who had already guided the Black Stars to the upcoming global showpiece.
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“This decision is very surprising and, in my view, completely wrong given the timing,” Paintsil told Footy-Africa.
“You don’t qualify for a World Cup and then remove the coach just a few months before the tournament. It disrupts everything, the system, the players’ confidence, and the technical direction.”
Paintsil further warned that such instability could have serious consequences on Ghana’s preparations, especially with crucial friendlies against Mexico and Wales on the horizon. He also took aim at the FA’s decision-making process, suggesting it reflects a lack of long-term planning.
“The FA should have stood by him through this difficult period because friendlies are meant for experimentation and correction,” he added.
“Now you bring in a new coach who must quickly understand the team, impose a philosophy, and deliver results under immense pressure. It puts the players in a very difficult position, and I fear this could cost Ghana on the biggest stage.”
Addo was sacked following 5-1 and 2-1 defeats to Austria and Germany, respectively in the recently concluded international friendlies.
