Black Stars Technical Advisor Winfried Anton Schaefer has shed light on the often unseen role he played in Ghana’s successful qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting that his contribution extended far beyond tactics and matchday decisions.
In an interview with Medeama FM, the experienced German coach explained that his focus was largely on player welfare, communication, and building unity within the squad — elements he believes were crucial to the team’s progress.
“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,” Schaefer said, pointing to his constant presence around the squad as a key factor.
The former Cameroon national team coach emphasized the importance of personal relationships, revealing that he made deliberate efforts to connect with both senior figures and emerging talents in the team.
“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 disclosed.
Schaefer also underlined the significance of maintaining strong cooperation with players’ club sides, ensuring that national team engagements did not jeopardize their fitness or long-term availability.
“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 explained.
Beyond individual management, Schaefer highlighted improvements in training facilities and the general environment surrounding the team as essential contributors to success.
“Our training was better. Our field for matches was better. This is very important for the player. The player is important for us,” he noted.
He further described the atmosphere within camp as positive and motivating, suggesting that confidence and camaraderie translated directly into performances on the pitch.
“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.”
Schaefer concluded by stressing the importance of squad depth and collective spirit, noting that even players not in the starting lineup played a vital psychological and motivational role.
“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 stands as a major achievement, and Schaefer’s reflections offer insight into the off-the-field structure, harmony, and leadership that underpinned the Black Stars’ journey to the global stage.
