Scores of football fans in Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, have called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to give the newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, a free hand to operate, following his first press conference.
The supporters said that the Portuguese tactician must be allowed to implement his vision without external interference if Ghana is to return to winning ways especially in the upcoming world cup that would be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
Mr Freeman Tetevi, a strong Black Stars fan at Keta, said that Coach Queiroz, which was appointed on an initial four-month deal in his address with the media outlining plans and philosophy for the Black Stars and should be allowed to implement them with free state of mind.
He continued that many other fans were encouraged by Queiroz’s blunt admission that stated that winning is the only way to satisfy Ghanaians and believed that the coach understands the weight of expectation and should be judged solely on results, not on boardroom politics or player lobbying.
“The new coach has already described the the job as the biggest challenge of his coaching career; it is a sign of his commitment. And if a man with his CV says this, then we must back him fully, the GFA should not tie his hands,” he said.
He mentioned that the decision by the GFA to retain former internationals Fatau Dauda and John Paintsil as part of the refreshed technical setup was questionable but stated that the blend of foreign expertise and local knowledge could help bridge the gap between the coach and players and warned the GFA not to use the local coaches to undermine Queiroz’s authority.
He stated that the refusal of Mr Queiroz to make bold predictions about Ghana’s World Cup finish has been described as a refreshing departure from past coaches who made unrealistic promises.
“He is being honest, that is what we need.
Queiroz revealed he has already strengthened the technical team with five new backroom staff members.
He also confirmed that a dedicated scouting and analysis team is working behind the scenes on potential call-ups; it is a move that shows early signs of professionalism and structure.
Mr Raphael Biney, another fan, said that the interest in Black Stars matches has surged since the appointment of the new coach, hoping his pedigree could restore national pride in the Black Stars.
A major talking point in Keta has been Queiroz’s declaration that “no player is bigger than the team and no one owns the national jersey,” while fans interpreted the statement as a warning to big-name players and a signal that team discipline would be restored and urged the GFA to support him if he drops underperforming stars.
His promise of fairness and equal opportunities for every good player to earn their place on the team has also raised hopes among fans that local-based players would finally get a fair chance.
However, many other fans expressed concern about the short four-month duration of Queiroz’s initial contract and feared that the GFA could interfere before he fully implemented his systems and described the four-month term as nothing in football.
The fans believed that the coach’s track records with Iran, Portugal, Colombia, and Egypt among other clubs have proven that he has the experience to succeed, but only if given independence, resources, and time.
Coach Carlos Queiroz who has been unveiled recently by the GFA, would replace coach Otto Addo and is expected to lead the Black Stars in the upcoming world cup where Ghana playagainst England, Panama and Croatia.
