Black Stars Technical Advisor Winfried Anton Schäfer has shed light on the influential role he played behind the scenes in Ghana’s successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Medeamaa FM, the veteran German tactician emphasized that his contribution extended far beyond tactics, focusing instead on player welfare, communication, and fostering unity within the squad.
Drawing on decades of coaching experience, Schäfer explained how closely he worked with the team during camp.
“My experience teaches me a lot. When I watch the team in training, when I’m with them at dinner or breakfast, I understand what we have to do and what I have to do,” Schäfer said.
The former Cameroon coach revealed that building strong personal relationships with players — both senior figures and emerging talents — was a central part of his approach.
“I spoke with Thomas Partey, I spoke with Jordan Ayew, but I also spoke with the young players. Most importantly, I listened,” he noted.
Schäfer highlighted that his conversations with players were not limited strictly to football matters.
“I don’t ask only about football. I ask about their families, their clubs, their lives. When you listen first, you know how best to help,” he added.
A key aspect of his work, according to Schäfer, involved maintaining healthy relationships with players’ clubs and prioritizing fitness management.
“When players come from their clubs to the national team, I understand the expectations. Club coaches want their players to return fit, ready, and not injured. Everything we did was to ensure players went back in the best condition possible,” he explained.
Schäfer also credited improvements in training facilities and matchday conditions as critical factors in the team’s performance.
“Our training became better. The fields for matches improved. These things are very important because the players are the most important asset,” he stated.
Beyond physical preparation, Schäfer underscored the importance of morale and confidence within the camp.
“Everybody was happy. We talked, we smiled, we joked. The players stepped onto the pitch with confidence. They didn’t play just to avoid defeat — they played to win,” he said.
The experienced advisor further pointed to squad harmony and depth as decisive elements in Ghana’s qualification journey.
“The players were fantastic. Those on the bench were just as important. The bench was 100 percent committed to the team,” Schäfer concluded.
Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a significant achievement, and Schäfer’s reflections offer valuable insight into the strong off-the-pitch structure, atmosphere, and unity that underpinned the Black Stars’ successful campaign.