Ghanaians Love Football And Their National Team – Chris Hughton

Former Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton has lauded the deep passion Ghanaians have for football, emphasizing their unwavering support for the national team.

Having led Ghana from 2023 to early 2024, Hughton experienced firsthand the intense scrutiny that comes with managing a football-obsessed nation.

“One thing Ghanaians love, apart from the English Premier League, is the Black Stars, working in Africa is very different. I worked for a nation that is football mad” he stated.

With years of club coaching experience at Brighton, Norwich, and Nottingham Forest, Hughton admitted that international management presented unique challenges.

Unlike club football, where managers work with players daily, national team coaches have limited time to implement tactics and build team cohesion.

His tenure ended following the Black Stars’ disappointing early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, Hughton insists he was well aware of the pressure before accepting the role, having previously served as a technical advisor under Otto Addo.

“I knew the pressure of taking the job when I took it, and if you’re not getting the right results, then you will know about it,” he admitted.

Despite his short stint with Ghana, the 65-year-old remains eager to stay in football. “I still have a lot of energy, and I’d like to continue in football,” he said.

While his next move remains uncertain, Hughton is determined to contribute to the sport, whether at the club or international level, as he seeks his next coaching opportunity.