Newly appointed Ghana coach Otto Addo has admitted it was difficult to leave his role as a talent coach at Borussia Dortmund to take over as Back Stars coach.
The former Ghana international was confirmed as the new coach of the national team on Friday on a 34-month contract which officially begins in May 2024.
“It was not easy for me to make this decision, but I am very grateful and happy that those responsible at BVB are allowing me to take this step,” the 48-year-old said.
“It is not a matter of course that I was allowed to work for the Ghanaian Football Association alongside my job in Dortmund. I really appreciate that! Borussia Dortmund will always be something special for me – I celebrated my greatest successes here as a player and also experienced an incredible amount as a coach.
“I will definitely miss my colleagues, the boys, the club and the fans”.
He also expressed his pleasure in being entrusted with the job having initially managed the team on an interim basis between March and December 2022.
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“It is a great privilege to be able to take on the role of head coach of my national team. I’ve already gained a lot of experience in this role as interim coach and I’m looking forward to the task that lies ahead of me from the summer. Until then, I will continue to give my all for BVB and will certainly remain closely associated with the club afterward.
During Otto Addo’s first tenure with the team, he led the team to the 2022 World Cup by overcoming Nigeria in a two-legged qualification playoff to see Ghana make its fourth appearance.
He continued as coach in the tournament and managed a win and two losses in the group stage which was not enough to propel the team forward.
Otto Addo is expected to begin his first competitive assignment against Mali in June in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.