Former Portugal Coach Paulo Bento Targets Ghana Coaching Job
- Paulo Bento has emerged as a leading candidate for the Ghana national football team job following the dismissal of Otto Addo
- Addo was sacked by the Ghana Football Association after back-to-back defeats, leaving the team searching for a new technical direction
- Other candidates have been considered, but Walid Regragui is reportedly not interested, opening the door for Bento to step in
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Former Portugal head coach Paulo Bento has reportedly shown interest in taking over the Ghana job, which became vacant earlier this month following the dismissal of Otto Addo.
Ghana have been without a manager since the GFA relieved Addo of his duties on Tuesday, March 31.
Source: Getty Images
His exit came after a string of disappointing results, including a heavy 5-1 defeat to Austria and a 2-1 loss to Germany within the space of just three days.
After the match in Stuttgart, the GFA confirmed it had “parted ways” with Addo, stating that his departure was “effective immediately.” The association also noted that it would communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course.
Since Addo’s departure, several names have emerged as potential replacements, with three coaches initially viewed as leading contenders for the role.
Former Ghana boss Kwesi Appiah is reportedly under consideration, while current assistant coach Desmond Offei could also be in line for promotion.
Walid Regragui, the former Morocco head coach, has also been linked with the position. However, fresh reports indicate that Regragui is not interested in the role, as he is not prepared to take on another coaching job within Africa at this stage of his career.
Paulo Bento eyes Black Stars job
Attention has now shifted to Bento, who is said to be keen on the opportunity to lead Ghana. The 56-year-old previously managed Portugal at UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, gaining valuable experience on the international stage.
He later took charge of South Korea and led them at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his side lost 3-2 to Ghana in a thrilling group-stage encounter in Qatar.
Source: Getty Images
Bento was also among the six candidates considered for the Black Stars job in 2022, following the end of Addo’s first stint in charge of the national team, per Ghanasoccernet.
His most recent role was with the UAE national team, but Bento and his backroom staff were dismissed in March last year, despite securing a 2-1 away victory over North Korea in a World Cup qualifying match.
Over 600 coaches apply for Ghana job
Interest in the role has been overwhelming, with more than 600 coaches reportedly applying.
High-profile names have dominated the conversation. Pitso Mosimane and Paulo Bento are believed to be among those who have submitted applications, while Walid Regragui, Hervé Renard and Kwesi Appiah continue to be widely discussed.
Regragui has asked not to be considered, ruling himself out of the race. Renard remains a strong contender, although his situation in Saudi Arabia is yet to be resolved.
Source: Getty Images
Appiah, meanwhile, is currently in charge of Sudan and is building a promising project after guiding them to the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2012.
According to sports journalist Muftawu Nabila, the 65-year-old could be open to a return if formally approached, although no official contact has been made.
The decision to part ways with Addo has split opinion among fans. Some believe the timing was harsh given the proximity to the World Cup, while others feel it was necessary to reset the team.
With Ghana set to face Panama in their opening Group L match on June 17, the countdown has already begun.
The next appointment will be crucial in shaping not only the World Cup campaign but also the future direction of the Black Stars.
How much Ghana owes Otto Addo
In another report, YEN.com.gh noted that Otto Addo’s dismissal carries a significant financial burden for Ghana.
Although the decision may be football-driven, it is still expected to come at a heavy cost to the country.
Source: YEN.com.gh
