Sports
Accept Carlos Queiroz’s defensive football or look elsewhere – Ghanaians urged
Databank Ghana Chief Executive Officer Kojo Addae Mensah has praised Carlos Queiroz for exceeding expectations with the Black Stars but has warned that Ghanaian fans must embrace the Portuguese coach’s defensive approach if they want him to remain in charge of the national team.
Queiroz guided Ghana to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the country’s first appearance in the round of the competition since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
Under the experienced Portuguese tactician, Ghana recorded a narrow victory over Panama and secured a goalless draw against eventual bronze medalists England during the group stage, earning a place in the knockout phase.
With discussions ongoing over a possible permanent appointment for Queiroz, Addae Mensah believes the coach has proven his ability to achieve results but insists his tactical philosophy is unlikely to change.
Databank CEO Kojo Addae-Mensah”He [Carlos Queiroz] exceeded expectations, no doubt. But let me tell Ghanaians this: if we want to keep Carlos Queiroz, we should all accept that the way we played at the World Cup will be defensive to the hilt. He won’t change that philosophy,” he said.
He added that supporters should expect a pragmatic approach built around defensive organisation rather than attacking football.
“If Ghanaians want him, then we should be ready to see the Black Stars playing 5-4-1. In fact, sometimes he will play 5-5-0.”
The Databank CEO pointed to Queiroz’s time with Egypt as an example of how the coach prioritises results over style.
The Portuguese manager guided the Pharaohs to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final despite failing to win a match in regulation time throughout the tournament.
“He went and played open football against Nigeria and lost. After that, he shut shop against Guinea and Sudan and won 1-0, 1-0,” he explained.
“I remember Carlos didn’t win a single game in 90 minutes and still got to the final. The results are what matter. The end justifies the means.”
Addae Mensah believes the Ghana Football Association and supporters must make a clear choice between prioritising results and demanding a more entertaining brand of football.
“If we want the one-goal, no-go project to get to the final of the AFCON, then that’s fine. But if we’re expecting free-flowing football with a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, scoring goals for fun, then Carlos Queiroz is not the coach we want,” said Addae Mensah.
Queiroz’s future remains a major talking point following Ghana’s World Cup campaign, with calls growing for continuity as the Black Stars begin preparations for future international competitions.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
