Former Ghana Football Association Technical Director Winfried Schafer has opened up about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the Black Stars setup, revealing that he was informed his services were no longer required following the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as Ghana’s new head coach ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The experienced German coach, who joined the Ghana Football Association in 2025 as Technical Director and advisor, left his position in April after the federation decided to make changes following the dismissal of Otto Addo. His exit came shortly after Queiroz was appointed to lead the Black Stars into the World Cup, bringing an end to a spell that Schafer says he thoroughly enjoyed despite its abrupt conclusion.
Speaking publicly for the first time since leaving the role, the 76-year-old provided fresh insight into how the decision was communicated and why he believes his departure was somewhat unexpected.
Schafer Was Told Queiroz Wanted His Own Team
According to Schafer, the explanation given for ending his contract was that Queiroz wanted to arrive with his own personnel and technical staff.
The former Cameroon and Thailand coach revealed that he was presented with the paperwork terminating his role and informed that the new coach preferred to work with people of his own choosing.
“In this context, I was essentially handed the paperwork, with the explanation that the new coach was bringing his own staff,” Schafer told Transfermarkt.
While such changes are common when a new manager takes charge of a national team, Schafer admitted he was surprised by the reasoning because he never considered himself a member of the senior national team’s coaching staff.
Instead, he viewed his role as one that supported Ghanaian football at a broader level, extending far beyond the day-to-day operations of the Black Stars.
“I Wasn’t Really Part of the Coaching Staff”
One of the key points Schafer highlighted was the distinction between his position and that of the national team’s coaches.
The veteran football administrator explained that his responsibilities were largely strategic and developmental rather than tactical or match-related.
“My role wasn’t really part of the coaching staff, but rather responsible for other tasks,” he explained.
Schafer suggested that his work focused more on helping build long-term structures within Ghanaian football rather than assisting with match preparation or coaching duties for the senior national team.
Because of that, he appeared to feel that his role could have continued regardless of who occupied the head coach position.
However, the decision was ultimately made to part ways, allowing Queiroz to shape the entire technical structure according to his own vision.
Wide-Ranging Responsibilities Across Ghana Football
During his time with the Ghana Football Association, Schafer’s duties extended far beyond the Black Stars.
The German disclosed that he spent considerable time monitoring players in the Ghana Premier League, identifying talented youngsters and helping create pathways for emerging footballers to progress within the national team system.
His work also involved maintaining communication with players, coaches, clubs and various stakeholders across the country.
Schafer described a role that focused heavily on talent identification, player development and providing technical guidance to the Ghana Football Association.
These responsibilities made him one of the key figures working behind the scenes to strengthen Ghana’s football structures and improve connections between domestic football and the national teams.
His experience in international football was viewed as a valuable asset, particularly given his long coaching career across Africa, Asia and Europe.
Advocate for Continuity Within the Technical Team
Interestingly, Schafer also revealed that before leaving his role, he had argued in favour of maintaining some continuity within the national team setup.
Among the positions he felt should remain unchanged was that of Ghana’s goalkeeping coach.
The former technical director believed keeping experienced members of the backroom staff could help ensure stability during the transition from Otto Addo to Carlos Queiroz.
According to Schafer, he recommended that the goalkeeping coach remain part of the setup because continuity is often important when new managers arrive, particularly ahead of a major tournament such as the World Cup.
His comments suggest he hoped elements of the existing structure would be preserved even as a new coaching regime took charge.
Ultimately, however, Queiroz was given the freedom to assemble the team he felt would best support his objectives.
No Bitterness Towards the Ghana FA
Despite the disappointment of seeing his role end unexpectedly, Schafer insisted he does not hold any resentment towards the Ghana Football Association.
The veteran coach spoke warmly about his time in Ghana and expressed appreciation for the people he worked alongside during his tenure.
While admitting that the sudden nature of his departure was unfortunate, he accepted that such situations are part of football.
“Of course, it’s a shame when it ends so abruptly because I really enjoyed working with the guys. But sometimes that’s how it is, and you can’t change it now.”
His comments reflect a pragmatic attitude shaped by decades in professional football, where coaching changes and structural reshuffles are often unavoidable.
Rather than focusing on the circumstances of his exit, Schafer appeared more interested in reflecting positively on the experience and relationships he built during his time with the Ghana Football Association.
Queiroz Era Begins Positively
While Schafer’s departure generated discussion behind the scenes, results on the pitch have largely justified the federation’s decision to appoint Queiroz ahead of the World Cup.
The Portuguese coach has overseen a strong start to Ghana’s campaign, guiding the Black Stars to victory over Panama before earning an impressive goalless draw against England.
Those results have placed Ghana in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages and have earned Queiroz praise for improving the team’s organisation and defensive structure.
The Black Stars have shown discipline, resilience and tactical awareness throughout the tournament despite missing several important players through injury.
For many supporters, the team’s performances suggest that Queiroz has quickly succeeded in implementing his ideas.
Schafer Leaves With Positive Memories
Although his chapter with Ghanaian football ended sooner than expected, Schafer’s comments indicate that he looks back on the experience with pride rather than frustration.
His work in scouting, player development and technical planning formed part of the foundation that continues to support Ghanaian football today.
The former technical director clearly enjoyed working with players, coaches and officials across the country and remains appreciative of the opportunity he was given.
While he may no longer be involved with the Black Stars, Schafer’s contribution to Ghanaian football during his time at the federation remains part of the country’s recent football story.
As Ghana continue their World Cup journey under Carlos Queiroz, Schafer’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes changes that accompanied one of the most significant managerial transitions in recent Black Stars history.
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