Ghana coach Otto Addo has made a strong statement on discipline and commitment as non-negotiable standards for the Black Stars as they prepare for their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Addo revealed that he had dropped Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey from the squad despite his recent form at the club level.
Addo confirmed he had a conversation with Partey regarding the decision, choosing not to disclose all the details but clarifying that the player’s omission was intentional and a product of his expectations as a coach.
The omission comes after Partey withdrew from the AFCON qualifiers against Sudan last month over fitness concerns, an explanation Addo seemed unconvinced by, given that Partey did not make himself available to the Ghana Football Association for a follow-up assessment.
“You have to be disciplined, you have to be a role model, and also you have to show performance. You have to be committed,” Addo stated.
He added that if he identifies issues in any of these areas, he speaks with the player to address them, and if improvements aren’t observed, he reserves the right to leave them out. “That’s my decision at the end.”
“For me, it’s always an honour to come here. It’s not only about myself; it’s always about Ghana. I expect this from all the players, and this is what makes us strong,” he added.
Ghana will face Angola on November 15, followed by a home game against Niger in Accra on November 18.
Source:
3news.com
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