Ghana coach Chris Hughton says he is committed to learning from past experiences and improving the team’s performance, despite growing speculation over his future with the Black Stars.
In an interview with BBC Africa, Hughton emphasized the importance of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros, stating that his primary focus is on getting the best possible results from the team.
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He said, “My role as coach of the Black Stars is to get the best results and the best performances from the team. You can’t always get that, but you can always learn from your previous experiences, whether it’s good or bad.”
Chris Hughton on recall of Ghana captain Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew
The 64-year-old coach also addressed the recall of Ghana captain Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew, who was left out of the squad for the recent friendly matches against Mexico and the United States. Hughton praised Ayew’s leadership skills and importance to the team, saying,
“Dede Ayew is still a very good player and still somebody that can be the best player in training. He is somebody that has an added importance because he is captain – he is a very good influence to the younger players that are in the squad. And so it’s not just about his playing ability, it’s for what he means to the squad.”
Ghana will face stiff competition in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers, which includes Mali, Central African Republic, and Chad.
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The winner of the group will secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Chris Hughton started as the coach of the Black Stars at the beginning of this year. Prior to his role with the Black Stars, Hughton gained significant coaching experience. He served as the manager of various football clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Norwich City, and Birmingham City.
Hughton’s appointment as the coach of the Black Stars brought excitement and optimism to Ghanaian football fans. Despite the recent speculation surrounding his future, Hughton remains focused on his current role and is committed to leading the Black Stars to success.