Former Ghana Football Association Technical Director Winfried Schafer has spoken about why he left the Black Stars setup, saying he was told his services were no longer needed after Carlos Queiroz became head coach.
Speaking publicly for the first time since leaving, the 76-year-old said he was given documents ending his contract and was told that the new coach wanted to work with his own team.
“In this context, I was essentially handed the paperwork, with the explanation that the new coach was bringing his own staff,” Schafer told Transfermarkt.
The experienced German said he was surprised by the reason because he did not see himself as part of the Black Stars coaching staff.
“My role wasn’t really part of the coaching staff, but rather responsible for other tasks,” he explained.
He also revealed that before leaving, he had advised that Ghana’s goalkeeping coach should stay in his role under Queiroz because he believed it would help the team.
Even though his time in Ghana ended suddenly, Schafer said he does not have any bad feelings towards the GFA.
“Of course, it’s a shame when it ends so abruptly because I really enjoyed working with the guys. But sometimes that’s how it is, and you can’t change it now,” he said.
Schafer joined the GFA in 2025 as Technical Director and advisor. He left his role in April after Queiroz replaced Otto Addo before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
