Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has called on Ghanaians to give Black Stars coach some more time to settle with the team after facing criticisms following the team’s recent performances.
Having served as the technical advisor of the team for a year, Hughton was later appointed in February to lead the Black Stars with the aim of qualifying the team for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and trying to win it.
He has since then coached the team in three matches winning one and drawing the other two all in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers which have eventually triggered many fans as well as some Ghana FA officials to air their frustrations following the performances of the team
“There is a difference between national team management and club management, but I am confident in what Chris brings as a coach.
“I believe Chris Hughton is a very experienced coach, and I have total confidence that his experience will come to bear at the appropriate time,” Hon. Ussif told Joy Sports.
“Chris has worked so hard throughout his career, and he knows the challenges that he is facing as head coach of a national team. As I said, it is not easy to manage a national team because there is a difference between managing a national team and a club,” he noted.
“The expectations are not the same. The whole country looks up to you. They expect results from you, but I think we should be patient and give Chris the opportunity, space, or time to establish himself on the national team. We will see the results when he finally settles [on what he wants to do with the team].
“I have a strong belief that the current technical team is very good, and they need the opportunity and time to deliver for Mother Ghana,” he stated.
The former Newcastle United manager will continue to be in charge as the Black Stars face the Central African Republic in their final match in the AFCON qualifiers next month.
