Black Stars Technical Advisor Winfried Anton Schafer has opened up on the vital behind-the-scenes role he played in helping Ghana secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with Medeamaa FM, the experienced German tactician detailed how his influence extended beyond tactics and matchday decisions, focusing heavily on player welfare, communication, and unity within the squad.
“What taught my experience? I know when I watched this team in the training, I was with the team in the dinner, in the breakfast time. I know what we have to do, what I have to do,” Schafer said.
The former Cameroon coach explained that he made it a priority to build personal relationships with both senior and younger players in the squad.
“I talked to Thomas Partey, I talked to Jordan Ayew, but I talked to the young players too, and I listen. And after I listen, I do what we have to do. I don’t ask only about football. I ask him about his family, his club,” he revealed.
Schafer stressed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with players’ clubs, ensuring that national team duties did not negatively impact their fitness.
“When the player comes from the clubs to the national team, I was coach, I know this. The coach from the club wants his player to come back ready, fit, not injured. All what we must be doing was when the player goes home after the match in his club, he was ready, he was fit.”
He also highlighted improvements in training conditions and the overall environment around the team as key factors.
“Our training was better. Our field for matches was better. This is very important for the player. The player is important for us,” he added.
Schafer further pointed to the positive atmosphere within the camp as a driving force behind Ghana’s success.
“Everybody was happy. We talked. We have smiling. We make joke. And the players go out with confidence. The player go out and want to win. The players don’t go out because they don’t want to lose. They want to win. Everybody wants win.”
He concluded by underlining the importance of squad depth and unity.
“The players were fantastic. The players outside and the bench is very important. The bench was 100 percent for our team.”
Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a significant milestone, and Schafer’s revelations shed light on the critical off-the-pitch structure and harmony that powered the Black Stars’ successful campaign.
