Black Stars coach Otto Addo has shed light on his decision to exclude Thomas Partey from Ghana's upcoming matches, revealing that his choice was influenced by private conversations aimed at protecting the player.

Addo, while addressing the media, emphasised his commitment to maintaining confidentiality regarding specific details of the discussions but provided insight into the factors guiding his decision.

"I had a confidential talk with Thomas. I am the coach who always wants to protect the players," Addo explained.

"I hope for your understanding. For me, the team is like a family, so I am not going to tell you the internal issues, but I made it quite clear to him; he wanted to come, but I made it quite clear why he's not coming."

Addo’s comments suggest that Partey’s exclusion was a mutual understanding reached between the two, with the coach reaffirming that this decision was driven by undisclosed reasons.

"Like I said, it is confidential, so it’s difficult for me to mention all the things, so maybe we have to move on," he added, indicating that the matter is settled.

The absence of Partey, a key figure in the Black Stars squad, has also led to adjustments in the team’s leadership structure. Addo shared that there had initially been plans to make Partey the captain, a role that would position him as a guiding figure for the team.

"The initiative was to make Thomas the captain of the team and for him to guide the team, to lead the team," Addo stated.

With Partey’s absence, however, Addo turned to younger players to step into leadership roles.

"After the talks with Thomas..., first of all, I had to talk to Kudus. For him, I think he’s still young; he needs to grow into that role."

Addo confirmed that defender Alexander Djiku and midfielder Mohammed Kudus had been appointed to assist Partey previously, but Jordan Ayew is taking up the captaincy in Partey’s absence.

"The last time, he was the captain because we expected Thomas to come," he said.

Now, as we know Thomas is not coming, we made a decision, and at the end I decided to pick a new captain which will be Jordan [Ayew]. So I talked to Kudus to understand that he's young and needs to grow into that role and I want him to still be second captain alongside [Alexander] Djiku, but Jordan will take over now and he will lead and guide the team," he explained.