The Ghana Football Association have officially named Chris Hughton as the next manager of the Black Stars. Despite the announcement long being expected, it finally ends once and for all the debate over who the club's next manager will be.
The former Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brighton boss' appointment have left many fans feeling overwhelmed, and optimistic about the future of the Black Stars.
But this is still just the beginning and there are things that the 64-year-old gaffer must do to ensure his reign as Ghana boss becomes a success.
A Cohesive Execution of His System
Following the departure of Otto Addo, a man who famously took the flack for his side's failings at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. That was true, with Addo opting to let go some players who weren't performing up to his standard.
What was pointless though, was when the players coming in to fill those slots were incapable of executing his game plan. The players were not without fault, but the system in place was flawed from the start.
What Hughton must do is implement his own methods but with the right personnel and in the right manner. He must be bold enough to leave players out who aren't adapting to his system, performing well in training, as well as in matches, but ensure he doesn't sacrifice quality with the XI on the pitch. Something Otto Addo failed to do.
He has to get his points across, but in the right way. He cannot waver from his philosophy, but he has to ensure the players believe that is it the right philosophy.
Establish Leaders
To ensure that this awareness and discipline is maintained on the pitch during games, the Black Stars require leaders to put this approach into practice. If one player is caught unaware and out of position, there must be another nearby ready to shout, give instructions and pull his side back into shape.
Hughton can only direct so much from the touchline and players like Thomas Partey must step up to help lead from the engine room. Andre Ayew is known to be vocal on the pitch, and must assume greater leadership and responsibility in ensuring that the team remains tight a unit.
Put Mohammed Kudus at centre stage
The Ajax midfielder is a special talent, the sort that every manager should build his team around. Kudus loves to dictate the tempo of the match in a free role, roaming deep to collect possession and driving the team forward with his clever one-twos and mazy dribbles.
It is best not to try to contain him, but rather organise his team-mates around him. In theory, Hughton’s expansive football – centering on high-tempo interchanges and domination of the ball – is perfectly suited to get the best out of Kudus
Field players in their best – or at least correct – positions
There are many reasons why Addo’s tenure felt aimless and many strange tactical decisions that suggest he was out of ideas, but chief among them was his odd team selections.
This fourth point should be easy enough to fix: Hughton must avoid the pitfall of putting square pegs in round holes, and no more shoving as many forwards onto the pitch as possible.
The Black Stars need basic organisation and a clear strategy, something that Hughton will surely work towards. His previous teams were consistent in playing short-passing aesthetic football.
Make it fun for everyone
A lot of Black Stars’ recent success stemmed from their bond with the fans. Supporters loved what they were watching and the players clearly fed off that. Nowadays, however, that fun is gone.
Fans turned on Otto Addo and were vocal with their frustration towards things, and it's that negativity which is now rubbing off on the squad. The players aren't enjoying things and it shows. The fun factor is gone, and performances have disappeared with it.
By: Godfred Budu
