Otto Addo Explains Why He Once Apologised to Son Heung-min Before Ghana vs South Korea
Ghana head coach Otto Addo has shared an emotional and previously unknown story from his early years as a coach in Germany — a story involving South Korean superstar Son Heung-min. As Ghana prepare to face South Korea in a friendly on November 18, 2025, Addo opened up about the surprising moment when he once felt compelled to apologise to the now-world-class forward.
The friendly at the Seoul World Cup Stadium marks the final international match of the year for both countries. While the fixture itself carries competitive value and tactical importance, it has unexpectedly resurfaced a deeply personal memory for the Ghana coach — one that showcases vulnerability, growth, and respect.
🇬🇭 The Background: Ghana Enters After a Tough Loss
The Black Stars travel to Seoul after a 2–0 defeat to Japan, a match where defensive errors and lack of finishing cost them. Addo has been working to rebuild confidence, sharpen the attack, and stabilise the midfield ahead of the South Korea clash.
Meanwhile, South Korea approach the fixture on the back of a comfortable 2–0 win over Bolivia, led by a stunning free-kick goal from Son Heung-min — the same player at the centre of Addo’s story.
The stage is set for an interesting tactical battle. But behind tactics, lineup decisions, and form, lies a touching backstory from Hamburg — where a young Son was just beginning his professional journey.
Otto Addo’s Early Coaching Days With Son Heung-min
Before rising to the role of Ghana’s head coach, Otto Addo spent years working as a youth and assistant coach at Hamburger SV (HSV) in Germany. During that period, a teenage Son Heung-min was climbing through the ranks of the club’s academy.
That’s when Addo met him — and, as he now admits, struggled to coach him effectively.
“He couldn’t speak English, and I couldn’t speak Korean.”
Speaking through the GFA, Addo revealed:
“At the time, Son couldn’t speak English and I couldn’t speak Korean.
I had to ask Cha Du-ri to translate my instructions. The first few days were really difficult.”
The language barrier didn’t just create awkwardness — it directly affected Son’s early progress.
Otto Addo’s Apology: “I wasn’t able to explain tactics properly.”
Addo candidly acknowledged:
“I want to apologise to Son because he didn’t play very much early on.
I wasn’t able to explain the tactics properly, and it affected him.”
This confession highlights how communication — or the lack of it — can impact a young player’s development. Son was talented, hardworking, and explosive even as a teenager, but misunderstandings slowed his integration into the team.
Despite Challenges, Son Flourished
Even with the communication struggles, Son’s determination and football intelligence propelled him forward. At Hamburg, he:
- improved technically
- matured physically
- gained tactical awareness
- built confidence as an attacker
Soon, he earned his breakthrough at Bayer Leverkusen, later becoming a Premier League icon with Tottenham Hotspur, and eventually, the captain and talisman of the South Korean national team.
Addo expressed admiration for the player Son became:
“I’m proud of how far he has come. His development has been incredible.”
Otto Addo’s Warning: Son Is Still a Threat Against Ghana
Despite his appreciation for Son’s journey, Addo was crystal clear about the danger Son poses to Ghana:
“We know how strong South Korea are. They defend well and attack with real pace.
Son’s free-kick ability is exceptional. We must avoid giving away set pieces.”
South Korea’s attacking trio — Son, Lee Kang-in, and Hwang Hee-chan — pose a serious threat. Addo and his staff have been strategizing on how to neutralize Son’s movement, dribbling, and long-range accuracy.
| Category | South Korea | Ghana |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 59.7% | 40.3% |
| Shots | 1 | 3 |
| Shots on Target | 1 | 1 |
| Touches in Box | 3 | 3 |
| Total Passes | 272 | 185 |
| Pass Accuracy | 87.5% | 82.2% |
| Corners | 3 | 2 |
| Fouls | 8 | 4 |
| Clearances | 4 | 6 |
| Tackles Won % | 50% | 100% |
Halftime Summary
- South Korea dominate possession but lack penetration
- Ghana look more efficient and dangerous on counterattacks
- Midfield remains tight, with Ghana winning more physical duels
- Son’s movement is causing issues despite no goals yet
You can place this stats table right after your second or third subheading inside the article for best engagement.
Son Heung-min: “The old result doesn’t matter.”
Ahead of the match, Son addressed Korea’s famous 3–2 World Cup loss to Ghana in 2022, saying:
“I’m not thinking about the match from years ago. This is different. We focus only on today.”
Son’s leadership and maturity have grown over the years, and his team trusts him to deliver in crucial moments.
The Match Is More Than Football
While the friendly is technically a warm-up, it represents:
- a emotional reunion between Addo and Son
- a tactical test for Ghana’s rebuild
- a chance for Korea to assess young talents
- an opportunity for both teams to close the 2025 international calendar strong
Addo’s story adds warmth and humanity to the buildup, showing how the careers of players and coaches intertwine in unexpected ways.
Conclusion
Otto Addo’s revelation about apologizing to Son Heung-min is a rare moment of vulnerability from a national team coach. It reflects the challenges of coaching across cultures, the determination of young Son, and the mutual respect shared between the two.
As Ghana and South Korea face each other in Seoul, the match carries both personal history and competitive significance. For Addo and Son, their story is a reminder of the unpredictable paths football creates — and how humility and growth shape every step.