Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has delivered a clear and uncompromising message ahead of his side’s decisive clash with Panama: in football, every match carries the weight of a must-win.
Addressing the media in the build-up to the encounter, Queiroz dismissed the notion of selectively prioritizing fixtures, insisting that the pursuit of victory underpins every level of the game.
“What I have learned in football is that all games are must-win,” he said. “When we are in a club, we start preparation and the first friendly game of the season is a must-win. The second is a must-win. I never remember in my life playing one game that was not a must-win.”
For the veteran tactician, the reasoning is simple and rooted in the unforgiving nature of elite competition.
“Our value is not based on intentions or wishes. Our value is based on results. The only medicine that works in football is to win,” he emphasized.
With Ghana facing a Panama side equally determined to secure a positive outcome, Queiroz acknowledged the challenge ahead but maintained confidence in his team’s readiness.
“We are ready to fight for results, knowing that nothing comes easy in football. We have one team in front of us that has the same wishes and expectations,” he noted.
Reflecting on Ghana’s preparation, the coach highlighted a broader body of work beyond recent matches, stressing that development is a continuous process shaped by both games and training sessions.
“We played one game, but it was not the only game the team played. There were other games before that we took lessons from,” he explained.
Queiroz also underlined a pragmatic approach to preparation, making it clear that teams must maximize whatever resources and opportunities are available.
“In football, life is simple. One training is better than zero, two is better than one, three is better than two. Two games are better than one, three are better than two. But if you only have one game, you must take the best from that situation,” he said.
“If we play one game, we train more.”
As Ghana gear up for a high-stakes showdown, Queiroz’s philosophy leaves little room for ambiguity — performance is measured by results, and the Black Stars are preparing to deliver when it matters most.
