Black Stars Technical Advisor Winfried Schäfer has shed light on the crucial behind-the-scenes contribution he made to Ghana’s successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in an interview with Medeamaa FM, the experienced German coach explained that his impact went far beyond tactics and matchday instructions. According to Schäfer, building unity, maintaining strong communication, and prioritizing player welfare were central to the team’s achievement.
Drawing on his years of coaching experience, Schäfer revealed that he closely observed the team’s daily routines, from training sessions to shared meals, to better understand the players and the overall team dynamic.
Winfried Schäfer emphasized the importance of personal interaction, noting that he engaged both senior players such as Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew, as well as younger members of the squad. Beyond football discussions, Schäfer made it a point to understand players on a personal level, asking about their families and club situations to foster trust and openness within the camp.
Another key focus was maintaining a healthy relationship between the national team and players’ respective clubs. Schäfer highlighted the need to ensure that players returned to their clubs fit and injury-free after international duty, acknowledging that club coaches expect their players to come back in top condition.
He also pointed to improvements in training facilities and matchday environments as important elements that boosted player performance. According to him, providing quality pitches and a professional setup created the right atmosphere for success.
Equally significant was the positive spirit within the squad. Schäfer described a united group filled with confidence, laughter, and determination. He stressed that the team approached matches with a winning mentality rather than a fear of defeat — a mindset he believes made a major difference.
The veteran tactician further underlined the importance of squad depth, praising not only the starting lineup but also the players on the bench for their full commitment to the team’s objective.
Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup stands as a major accomplishment, and Schäfer’s reflections highlight the strong structure, discipline, and unity that fueled the Black Stars’ successful campaign.
