Charles Taylor wants Essien, not Otto Addo as Black Stars coach

Former Ghana international Charles Taylor has without hesitation kicked against any attempts to re-appoint Otto Addo as the head coach of the Black Stars. He dismissed the suggestions while sticking his feet forward for another Ghana international to take the role.

According to Charles Taylor, despite Otto Addo qualifying Ghana for the 2022 World, he has not done enough to warrant a second chance. He said a new face should be given the role and supported to succeed. The former Hearts of Oak goal poacher said former Chelsea star Michael Essien should be given the Black Stars job.

Otto Addo despite qualifying the team for Qatar 2022, failed to inspire the team beyond the group stages. The team took an early bath after defeats to Portugal and Uruguay, either side of the 3-2 defeat of South Korea. Based on that experience, Charles Taylor says “Nothing good will come from,” the Borrusia Dortmund trainer. “He[Otto Addo] has coached the team before, and there is nothing positive you could pinpoint from his first stint,” Charles Taylor stated.

However, he believes if Ghana has to revive its fledgling football life, persons with bold characters must be employed. To this note, he suggests three former Black Stars players who contributed to Ghana’s historic first-ever World Cup appearance.

“We must know that the right people are available to revive Ghana football,” adding, “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,” Charles Taylor said on Onua Sports.

Charles Taylor was reacting to rumours that Otto Addo is leading the race to be appointed the new head coach of the Black Stars. According to sources, out of the over 500 applications, the final shortlists that went through the interview have Otto Addo leading.

Meanwhile, the former Asante Kotoko man is not the only one who feels Otto Addo does not deserve a second chance. Firebrand journalist Countryman Songo has waged a crusade against the former Ghana international whom he labels trainer-scout. According to the man known in private life as Patrick Osei-Agyeman, Otto Addo’s name should not even be part of the list because he does not have what it takes to lead the team.

Their reactions are in response to reports that Otto Addo will be given the job with Michael Essien being his assistant. The Germany-based coach resigned from the position days after the team exited from the 2022 World Cup. He was then replaced by Chris Hughton who many had said was the better person for the job. However, barely a year later, the story has gone full 360 with the former Hannover 96 winger now in the frame for a return.