LA Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil has opened up about the disappointment and frustration he endured four years ago when he was left out of the Black Stars setup, pointing to a lack of transparent communication from the technical team at the time.
The winger, who was then in impressive form for his club, revealed that he was initially given no clear explanation for his exclusion from the national team. Speaking candidly, Paintsil described the period as emotionally taxing, particularly because he felt his performances warranted a place in the squad.
“I was frustrated because no one told me why I wasn’t being called up,” Paintsil said. “I was playing well, but there was just silence. That was the hardest part not knowing what I needed to improve.”
It was only after the player personally pressed for answers that then-head coach Otto Addo provided specific reasons for his omission. According to Paintsil, Addo explained that his defensive contributions were not yet at the required level and that he lacked the tactical ability to help maintain the team’s structural discipline during the World Cup period.
“He told me that for the World Cup, he needed players who could defend well and keep the shape of the team. He felt I wasn’t strong enough in that area,” Paintsil recalled.
While the feedback was difficult to accept, the player acknowledged that it gave him clarity after months of uncertainty. Since then, Paintsil has continued to develop his all-around game and remains determined to earn his place in future Black Stars selections.
Paintsil described himself as a “quick winger who loves to make decisions at the front” and expressed disappointment in the decision, saying he’s representing Ghana for the country, not individuals.
“I will be honored to represent Ghana any day,” Paintsil said, exposing the decision made by Otto Addo .
Paintsil now looks ahead, hoping his experience can serve as motivation to cement his role in the Black Stars moving forward.