John Paintsil says working with Carlos Queiroz has influenced his development as a coach, with the Ghana assistant praising the Portuguese manager’s discipline, organisation and tactical methods after his reappointment as head coach of the Black Stars.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed on Wednesday that Queiroz had agreed to return to the role after his initial contract ended following Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Paintsil worked alongside Queiroz during the tournament and said the experience allowed him to learn from a coach with extensive international experience.
“You know I’m a very disciplined person. He’s also disciplined. And he’s a hard coach,” Paintsil said in an exclusive interview with 3Sports.
The former Ghana international also highlighted the structure surrounding Queiroz and said their discussions regularly focused on football and tactical issues.
“He’s got a very good structure around himself. We always talk about the game,” Paintsil said.
Paintsil is building his own coaching career and explained that he has adopted elements of Queiroz’s approach while continuing to develop his personal methods.
“He has his way of operating, I have my way of operating,” he said. “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.”
Queiroz’s return to the Black Stars follows a short initial spell in charge. He was appointed in April, replacing Otto Addo only 72 days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the limited time available to prepare the side, Queiroz guided Ghana through the group stage and into the Round of 32.
The appointment also extends the Portuguese coach’s lengthy international career. Queiroz has previously managed Portugal, Iran, Colombia and Egypt, and became only the second coach to take charge of teams at five consecutive World Cups when he led Ghana at the 2026 tournament.
For Paintsil, the lessons gained from working under Queiroz will remain central to his own coaching development. He said learning from more experienced figures was an important part of progressing in the profession.
“I think it’s good to learn from those who are ahead of you,” he said.
The GFA announced Queiroz’s reappointment in a statement released on Wednesday night. The association said further details about the coach’s new contract would be made available at a later date.
Paintsil is expected to remain part of Queiroz’s backroom staff as the Black Stars begin another period under the Portuguese manager. His continued involvement would allow him to carry on working within Queiroz’s system while applying the experience to his own growing coaching philosophy.
