Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has met with deputy captain Thomas Partey in a constructive discussion just hours before Villarreal faced Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

During the meeting, Addo stressed the importance of maintaining tactical discipline and team shape as the Black Stars prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The conversations were reported to be positive, reinforcing the coach’s focus on squad cohesion and readiness.

In the match itself, Partey was substituted in the 46th minute for Georges Mikautadze, as Villarreal fell 3-0 to Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena.

Addo has been actively monitoring Ghanaian players in Europe, with recent visits to Spain to check on Abdul Mumin, Kwasi Sibo, and others. He has also touched base with Jordan Ayew, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Tariq Lamptey, and Mohammed Kudus. These interactions aim to strengthen solidarity and ensure a unified approach ahead of the World Cup.

Ghana is drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by matches against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27. To fine-tune preparations, Ghana will also face Austria and Germany in March as warm-up fixtures.