Black Stars coach Otto Addo recently shared insights into his decision to omit Thomas Partey from Ghana’s squad for the upcoming matches, describing a private conversation with Partey aimed at protecting the player.
Addo addressed the media, explaining his choice to keep certain details confidential while offering some context for the decision. “I had a confidential talk with Thomas. I am the coach who always wants to protect the players,” Addo remarked. “The whole point for me was getting the understanding. I am not going to tell you the internal issues, but I made it quite clear to him; he wanted to come, but I made it quite clear why he’s not coming.”
Addo’s comments suggest that he and Partey came to a mutual understanding, with Addo hinting that the decision was based on personal factors discussed between them. “Like I said, it is confidential, so it’s difficult for me to mention all the things, so maybe we have to move on,” he said, indicating the matter is now resolved.
Partey’s absence has also affected the team’s leadership setup. According to Addo, Partey was initially planned to lead the squad. “The initiative was to make Thomas the captain of the team and for him to guide the team, to lead the team,” Addo noted.
With Partey unavailable, Addo has turned to younger players to step up in leadership roles. “After the talks with Thomas… I had to talk to Kudus. For him, I think he’s still young; he needs to grow into that role,” Addo explained, referencing midfielder Mohammed Kudus as one of the emerging leaders.
Previously, defender Alexander Djiku and Kudus were selected as deputies to support Partey. However, with Partey absent, Jordan Ayew has now assumed the captaincy. “The last time, he was the captain because we expected Thomas to come,” Addo concluded.
