Otto Addo's quotes

The Ghana coach is not really an open book

Ghana coach Otto Addo is a complex man. In my estimation anyway. He has been head coach of the Black Stars for barely a year and rarely gives away a full picture of what he is thinking or his personality. Observers at his training sessions will tell you even final day training sessions do not give away his full picture.

So I have tried to piece him together through some quotes he has granted this year.Let me know what you think in the comments section.

Otto Addo on what the World Cup means to Ghana and him

“Of course, football is the number one sport in Germany, too. But for the Ghanaians, this World Cup is also an added bonus, because the country is not a big player internationally, politically and economically. Africa is generally underrepresented as a continent, so the World Cup is more than just a sporting event. For all the problems that exist in the country, every victory brings more peace and stability.”

“This is also a new experience for me. I was able to take part in 2006 as a player, and now as a coach. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Speaking to Ruhr Nachrichten

On the strengths of his Black Stars team

We have a lot of quality. I see that in training and in our matches too. It was an especially tough game against Nigeria but we competed with them even though we’d made a lot of changes. The players adapted very well and very quickly. I think we’ve got a bright future ahead of us with all the talented young players we have, especially because we have the right balance with the older and more experienced players. We’re in good shape defensively, we read the game well and have a good feel for when to press the opposition at the right time. We’ve got a great deal of quality up front, our individual class. We can do damage one-on-one and with our speed. We can beat anyone. It's up to the players, not me. It’s their performances that have brought them this far. They have the quality, with or without me. I’m responsible for putting them in the right positions so that they can produce their best performances, with and without the ball. They have to be able to play together.

Speaking to FIFA

On the western criticism of Qatar

“I think it’s extremely important that the grievances in Qatar are addressed, especially when people are dying,” “Nevertheless, it’s a very European point of view when you think you’re a lot better than Qatar. Off the coast of the EU, I heard that people die every day because they are not accepted. And they are fleeing for economic reasons that we are partly responsible for and have partly caused in history,” complained the 47-year-old native of Hamburg”

Speaking to DPA

On accepting to become Ghana coach

I had mixed feelings because I’d already worked alongside coach Milovan Rajevac. I think he did a good job. I was happy to work with him and we got on well. It was a shame to miss out on the Africa Cup of Nations. I was sad not to be able to continue working with him, but now I’m obviously happy to be on the touchline for Ghana. It’s an honour for me and I’ll always try to do my best, just like I did when I was a player.

Speaking to FIFA

On the song that he likes for warming up . Shocker alert!!!

“I like “Shook Ones” from Mobb Deep.”

The legendary verse from Prodigy (RIP) and the crazy beats I guess 🧐. If it sounds familiar, you have also probably watched Eminem’s 8Mile. It’s a 🔥 track.

On the game against Portugal

“We need to take it one game at a time in Qatar. The first match against Portugal will be very decisive and important. The result will determine how we approach our second game. If we can get a point against Portugal then it’ll take a lot of pressure off our meeting with Uruguay.”

Speaking to FIFA