Ghana are reportedly on the brink of appointing former Germany head coach Joachim Low as their new manager, according to emerging reports from the African nation. The Black Stars find themselves without a head coach a mere 75 days before their opening World Cup group stage match against Panama on June 18.
Managerial Vacancy After Addo's Dismissal
This urgent search follows the Ghanaian Football Association's decision to sack Otto Addo earlier this week after a disastrous run of four consecutive defeats. The most recent losses include a 2-1 defeat to Germany in Stuttgart on Monday night and a crushing 5-1 thrashing by Austria last Friday. These disappointing results came on the heels of November friendly defeats to Japan and South Korea.
Low's Impressive Track Record
If the reports prove accurate, Low would bring substantial tournament experience to the Ghanaian setup. The 66-year-old German famously guided his homeland to World Cup glory in 2014 during his 15-year tenure, which began in 2006 when he succeeded Jurgen Klinsmann. His impressive resume also includes a third-place finish at the 2010 World Cup, where Germany famously eliminated England, along with two European Championship semi-final appearances and a runner-up finish in 2008.
Low has been without a managerial position since stepping down from the Germany role in 2021 following their Euro 2020 last-16 exit to England at Wembley Stadium. His final major tournament with Germany saw them lift the Confederations Cup in 2017, though they suffered a surprising group stage elimination at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Short-Term Contract Details
The proposed arrangement would see Low sign a short-term contract worth approximately €150,000 (equivalent to £131,000) per month, with the deal expected to conclude after the upcoming World Cup tournament. This would mark Low's first managerial position since his departure from the German national team.
Potential England Reunion
Should Low accept the position, he would have an opportunity for redemption against England when Ghana faces the Three Lions in their second group game on June 23. This would provide a compelling narrative given Low's final match as Germany boss was that Euro 2020 defeat to Gareth Southgate's side.
Addo's Departure and Replacement
The Ghana Football Association released a brief statement confirming Addo's dismissal, stating they had "parted ways with the head coach of the senior men's national team (Black Stars), Otto Addo effective immediately." The statement provided no further details regarding a replacement or the specific reasons behind the termination.
Addo had been serving his second stint as Ghana's coach after Borussia Dortmund agreed to release him from his talent development role at the end of the 2023-2024 season. He previously coached Ghana on an interim basis throughout much of 2022, including during the World Cup in Qatar where Ghana managed a victory over South Korea but still failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Ghanaian officials will be hoping Low can replicate his tournament expertise with the Black Stars, who are desperate to make a significant impact at the upcoming World Cup following their recent disappointing form.
