Former Ghana coach, Charles Kwabla Akonnor, has come to the defense of current Black Stars coach Chris Hughton, suggesting that players contribute to the challenges coaches face by not adhering to their instructions.
Chris Hughton has faced criticism due to the Black Stars' recent poor performance, winning just one match in their last four outings. Despite a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Madagascar, Ghana suffered a surprising defeat to Comoros in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Akonnor, who managed Ghana from 2020 to 2021, believes Hughton deserves time to turn the team's fortunes around. He emphasized the need for players to take responsibility and follow the guidance of the coaching staff.
While acknowledging that coaches often bear the brunt of blame, Akonnor highlighted the role players play in the team's success. He emphasized the importance of discipline and cooperation between players and technical staff.
I urge management to be patient, sometimes I can understand their emotions and how they feel but it’s always not about the result,” he told the Graphic Sport.
“The players also need to be disciplined by listening to the technical men who are in charge. Most of the time, the blame is put on coaches because they are responsible for that which I agree but sometimes players too are reluctant to do what they are asked to do so it gets difficult for the coach.”
Akonnor, who boasts experience coaching top Ghanaian clubs like Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, dismissed doubts about the competence of Hughton and his technical team.
He pointed to their track records as evidence of their capabilities.
“Didi Dramani has also been in football for quite some time, and he’s done his job very well and Boateng is also a good man, very knowledgeable about the game tactically and so we are not that poor about the game tactically.
“Sometimes we turn to blame them a lot, yes I agree, but maybe the players too must also play their part for the team to function, it’s not always the coach’s fault.”
As Ghana aims to secure victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January 2024, ending a 41-year trophy drought, the spotlight remains on the team's performance and the collaborative efforts needed to achieve success.
