Otto Addo Tells The Media And Fans To Shift Their Focus Away From Blames And Criticisms

Even though the Black Stars missed the AFCON tournament for the first time since 2004, coach Otto Addo has made it clear that he is not prepared to resign in the wake of the team’s failure to qualify for next year’s tournament.

After Ghana’s 2-1 loss to Niger in their last Group F game in Accra, Addo talked about the challenges his team had faced and defended his dedication to the squad in the face of growing criticism.

He made it clear during the press conference that he would not step down as the Stars coach.

“I’m not the person who can resign. If I had done this, I’d never have become a player or even a coach. If you know where I have come from as a person to arrive at this job you won’t even ask about resignation”. People shouting and telling me to resign can’t affect me.”

Addo also acknowledged the team’s struggles with defending set pieces.

“We started okay but conceded a goal from a set piece. We were aware because the last time we met, they scored from a corner. Surely, we have to defend these set pieces better,” he said. “It seems everything is going against us.”

Despite the loss, Addo highlighted some positive aspects, especially the new players’ performances, which he felt validated their inclusion.

“There are some positives, especially from players who hadn’t played before but did well today,” he added.

Otto Addo asked fans and the media to stop focusing on blame and instead show support for the players because they had put their all into their performance.

“The media has the power to control the narratives of games, not only the results. You have the power to lift somebody up,” he stated. “I really need you to leave the players alone because they gave us everything.”

On Ghana’s elimination, he said:

“Surely everyone is disappointed, and even if we had played a draw, it wouldn’t have changed anything. Yes, it would have improved the mood of the country and the energy levels of the players,” he admitted.

With no wins, Ghana Black Stars finished last in their group, shocking supporters and stakeholders and raising doubts about the national team’s future under Addo’s leadership.