Omanghana
Databank Ghana Chief Executive Officer and respected football analyst Kojo Addae Mensah has urged Ghanaian football supporters to accept Carlos Queiroz’s defensive tactical approach if they want the Portuguese coach to continue as head coach of the Black Stars.
Speaking on Luv FM after Ghana’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Addae Mensah argued that Queiroz has already surpassed expectations but is unlikely to abandon the cautious football philosophy that has defined his coaching career.
According to him, any decision by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to retain Queiroz must come with a realistic understanding of the style of football the experienced manager prefers.
Queiroz Exceeds Expectations at 2026 World Cup
Carlos Queiroz took charge of the Black Stars on a short-term contract shortly before the tournament, inheriting a team facing pressure to rediscover its competitiveness on the global stage.
Despite limited preparation time, the veteran Portuguese coach guided Ghana to its strongest World Cup performance in more than a decade.
Under Queiroz, Ghana achieved several important milestones:
- Reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since the 2010 tournament in South Africa
- Secured a crucial victory over Panama during the group stage
- Held eventual bronze medal winners England to a goalless draw
The results reflected Queiroz’s trademark approach: defensive organization, tactical discipline, and a focus on limiting opponents’ strengths.
Players Embrace Pragmatic Approach
Although some supporters have criticized the team’s lack of attacking flair, reports suggest that the Black Stars players have accepted Queiroz’s methods.
The squad has reportedly bought into the idea of maintaining defensive structure, working hard without the ball, and making sacrifices against stronger opponents.
For Queiroz, defensive discipline is viewed as a foundation for competing successfully at the highest level.
“Defensive to the Hilt”
As discussions continue over whether the GFA should offer Queiroz a permanent contract, Addae Mensah warned that fans must understand what comes with keeping the Portuguese coach.
“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 said.
He explained that Queiroz’s tactical identity has remained consistent throughout his career and is unlikely to change significantly.
Lessons from Egypt Experience
To support his argument, Addae Mensah pointed to Queiroz’s time managing Egypt, where the coach led the Pharaohs to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final with a highly structured defensive system.
During that tournament, Egypt became known for its disciplined approach and ability to frustrate opponents, although the team did not win any match within 90 minutes during the competition.
The example, according to Addae Mensah, demonstrates that Queiroz prioritizes results and defensive stability over attacking entertainment.
Choosing Between Results and Entertainment
The Databank CEO said Ghanaian football authorities and supporters must decide what they want from the national team.
He argued that if the priority is a system built around discipline, organization, and grinding out victories, Queiroz fits that philosophy.
However, he cautioned that fans expecting:
“free-flowing football… scoring goals for fun”
may not find the Portuguese coach’s methods appealing.
Debate Grows Over Possible Permanent Appointment
The possibility of handing Queiroz a long-term contract has sparked intense debate among former players, analysts, and football stakeholders.
Prince Tagoe Questions Long-Term Plan
Former Black Stars striker Prince Tagoe has strongly criticized the idea of keeping Queiroz permanently, describing the move as a potential “waste of time.”
Tagoe argued that Ghana’s football identity has traditionally been associated with attacking football and creativity rather than a purely defensive approach.
Calls for Focus on Attacking Talent
Some football journalists and analysts, including Gary Al-Smith, have acknowledged Queiroz’s success in stabilizing Ghana’s defense during the World Cup.
However, they argue that the next phase of the Black Stars may require a coach capable of developing Ghana’s emerging attacking talents and building a more balanced style ahead of future competitions, including Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches.
GFA Faces Key Decision
With Ghana’s World Cup campaign now complete, the GFA faces a major decision on whether to extend Queiroz’s stay or pursue a different direction.
For supporters, the debate centers on a fundamental question: should Ghana prioritize tactical discipline and results, or return to a more attacking style traditionally associated with the Black Stars?
Whatever decision is made, Queiroz’s short tenure has already reignited a national conversation about the future identity of Ghanaian football.
Source: Omanghana
