Former Ghana international Charles Taylor has advised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to consider appointing Michael Essien as the new Black Stars coach instead of Otto Addo.
Addo, currently a talent coach at Borussia Dortmund, has been widely reported as the frontrunner for the coaching position. This follows Chris Hughton’s dismissal following an underwhelming tenure, including a disappointing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Otto Addo previously led the team on an interim basis and guided them to the 2022 World Cup. However, Taylor remains unconvinced of his suitability for the role.
In an interview with Onua Sports, the former Hearts of Oak forward candidly stated his dissatisfaction with the idea.
Taylor said: “Nothing good will come from Otto Addo. He has coached the team before, and there is nothing positive you could pinpoint from his first stint.
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In response to Addo’s past success in qualifying Ghana for the World Cup, Charles Taylor dismissed it as insufficient grounds for his reappointment, questioning, “Does that mean we should consider all past coaches who qualified us for the World Cup?”
Instead, Taylor believes that former Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien, supported by Stephen Appiah and Laryea Kingston, would be better equipped to bring positive changes to the national team.
“We must know that the right people are available to revive Ghana football. I would suggest that we consider Michael Essien for the coaching job. Essien together with Stephen Appiah and Laryea Kingston are bold former players who will stand their ground and instill discipline among the playing body,” Taylor asserted.
Essien, who was a crucial player for Chelsea, received his UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth coaching licenses last year.
Meanwhile, considering the criteria outlined by the GFA in selecting the next coach, none of the mentioned names align with the specified requirements.
Otto Addo initiated his coaching journey with Hamburger SV U-19 only 14 years ago, falling short by a year of the experience stipulated for the Ghana coaching role.
Furthermore, there is a notable absence of a winning track record for the Dortmund talent coach, as well as the other former Black Stars players recommended by Charles Taylor.