THE Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo, says he is satisfied with his current role as the national team manager even for a short period as he leads the Black Stars to the next World Cup slated for Qatar in November.
The 46-year-old revealed he had been handed a six-month contract until after the World Cup after which the role would be reviewed but he indicated he was committed to his role as Talent Manager at German giants, Borussia Dortmund, which recently handed him an extended contract.
Addo said he was convinced his decision not to take Ghana’s top job on a permanent basis was to enable him to honour his contract with Borussia Dortmund, as he looks to a future career in German football.
Speaking to Transfermarkt, the Ghana coach noted that it was imperative for a national team coach to reside in the country of the team but added that the improvement in communication had made it easier for other things to be done remotely.
“The association had already asked me to coach in February, but at that time their priority was initially on a person who should work permanently for Ghana.
“The offer was a great honour for me. In the talks, I also made it clear from the start that my priority is at BVB (Borussia Dortmund) but I could imagine the job as an interim and in a dual function, ” he said.
For the man who has spent most of his life in Germany, where his family also lives, taking the Ghana job on a long term meant he had to relocate from Germany, which is not in his immediate plans.
“I don’t see the position as of now. I think as a national coach you should also live in the country you work for in the long term.
“Of course, many things can also be organised and delegated remotely over a certain period of time. But I see myself personally in Germany in the next few years.”
Addo said he was not sure it would be accepted by both parties (Black Stars and Dortmund) if he decided to take the Black Stars job on a long term contract because he was not ready to give up on that of Dortmund.
“If I take on the challenge, I don’t want to give up my job in Dortmund”, he admitted.
The Ghana coach revealed that he had a six-month contract with the national team and outlined their games prior to the World Cup but insisted that despite the huge responsibility that came with the dual role with Ghana and Dortmund, he was ready to cope with it.
“It’s manageable, I have a contract for six months until after the World Cup. We have international matches in June, a ten-day trip in September and then preparation for the World Cup and the tournament are on the agenda”, Addo said.
He also praised his back room staff, including the scouts, analysts for the success so far saying that he’s had a good team which he works with and trusts, describing them as very supportive.
“From the scouts to analysts to the trainers I have a very good team around me that I trust and that support me very well.”
By Sunshine Radio Gh Admin.
