Black Stars head coach Otto has indicated that the team is not perturbed by Cristiano Ronaldo’s problems with Manchester United ahead of their World cup opener against Portugal come Thursday.
Ronaldo will face Ghana without a club after he and Manchester United mutually parted ways on Tuesday, following the Portugal star’s controversial interview.
While some believe Ronaldo’s club troubles will have an impact on the 37-year-old’s performance at the World Cup, Otto Addo wants the Black Stars to only focus on the game and not on external issues.
“This is not our problem and I don’t think it’s a big problem. Everybody wants to win. I don’t think the Ronaldo news can disrupt anybody,” Addo said at press conference on Wednesday.
Captain Andre Ayew’s reaction further confirmed the team’s aim to defy all odds and surprise Portugal. According to him, Portugal remain favourites of the tie and the issue of their marksman may not impact the game.
“It’s not really our problem with what is happening in the Portuguese team. I think the Portugal players are great professionals and they play for top teams so they will be ready for the World Cup,” Ayew said.
“We all know that going into this game, Portugal are the favorites on paper but we have to show on the field that on paper is not the same as on the pitch. We believe in ourselves, we know what’s ahead and we are going to do everything to make it very difficult for them.”
The clash between Portugal will come off at exactly 16:00GMT at Stadium 974.