Black Stars Head Coach, Otto Addo, has downplayed the controversy surrounding Ghana Football Association President, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku’s, address to the players.
In a video message, an emotional Kurt Okraku urged the team to display increased passion, aggression, and desire to win against Sudan, emphasizing the importance of nationalism.
While some Ghanaians have expressed dissatisfaction with the president’s speech, tone and body language, Coach Addo has described it as ‘normal’ and not out of the ordinary.
“So, I think this is the first time maybe it was recorded, but in this job, pressure is one of the principles. It’s not a new situation for me. It was the same when, let’s say, I came here the first time and we played against Nigeria,” Otto Addo said at a pre-match conference.
”Also, the President had a talk, because it was a crucial situation, if we could qualify for the World Cup or not. The same thing happened when we played before Mali. So, sometimes it’s good, and I understand the situation is very, very crucial. So, sometimes it’s also good if somebody comes and steps up to back up my words.
“I’m also talking to the players; my staff is talking to the players about the importance of the game. So, we always try to push each other, and I think it was a good talk. Hopefully, it woke everyone up to show the passion which is needed on the field to win this game,” he added.
Coach Otto Addo and his team are looking to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON alive after a poor start to the AFCON.
Ghana suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Angola at home, ending a 24-year unbeaten streak at the Baba Kumasi Sports Stadium in Kumasi, which followed the team’s 1-1 draw against Niger.
