‘Disciplined’ Carlos Queiroz has shaped my coaching career’ – John Paintsil

Black Stars high-performance coach John Paintsil says working under Carlos Queiroz has transformed his own coaching approach, describing the Ghana head coach as a disciplined tactician with a clear football philosophy.

The former Ghana international worked with the veteran head coach after replacing Otto Addo ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America, where the team played in the knockout phase for the first time since 2010.

In an exclusive interview with 3Sports, the former defender praised Queiroz's structured methods as the Black Stars prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign later this month.

"You know I'm a very disciplined person. He's also disciplined. And he's a hard coach," Paintsil said.

The 44-year-old, who is developing his own career on the touchline after retiring from playing, said Queiroz's attention to detail has stood out since joining the Portuguese coach's backroom staff.

"He's got a very good structure around himself. We always talk about the game," he added.

Paintsil said working alongside the experienced coach has required him to adapt his own methods while embracing Queiroz's philosophy in the national team setup.

"He has his way of operating, I have my way of operating," he explained. "But when I stand to coach, I have to fall into his philosophy, and work under him.

"But I have learned a lot, and I've taken more from his side, adding to mine."

The former Fulham and West Ham defender believes learning from more experienced coaches is an important part of his own development.

"I think it's good to learn from those who are ahead of you," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that Carlos Queiroz will remain in charge of the Black Stars as head coach ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Queiroz's first competitive assignment since agreeing a new deal with the Ghana Football Association will come in the opening fixtures of Ghana's 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars travel to Bouaké to face Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix on 24 September before returning home to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

The qualifiers carry added significance for Ghana, who are seeking an immediate return to Africa's biggest football tournament after failing to qualify for the previous AFCON finals in Morocco.