Otto Addo Says He Learned To Master His Emotions After His First Coaching Role at The Black Stars

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has shared that mastering his emotions has been a vital lesson learned during his initial tenure with the Ghanaian national team.

Addo was entrusted with leading Ghana in a pivotal 2022 World Cup qualification playoff against Nigeria. After successfully steering the team to World Cup qualification, he continued to oversee them during the tournament but resigned after the Black Stars failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Despite facing initial criticism from disappointed fans, Addo has returned as the permanent head coach, demonstrating a more composed and resilient attitude. His enhanced performance has minimized the criticism he previously encountered.

Reflecting on his emotional development, Addo attributes his growth to the support and guidance of his family and the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

“I don’t know if that [first stint] was different but actually my mother talked a lot to me that I should manage my emotions even if I didn’t like certain things, questions. To be honest, some questions are a little bit, I don’t know,” he shared with 3Sports.

“But my family helps me to handle this and stay calm. I’ve also been talking to the FA president and the Communications Director who also give me good advice. I think maybe I learned not to be too emotional even if there are questions I don’t like or if they are personal. I generally don’t listen to all the comments or insults. I just take it away from me and it keeps me calm,” he added.

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Black Stars coach Otto Addo reveals how his mother has helped him to be a calmer figure when facing the media.#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/MUzwaJB52K

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) June 13, 2024