Queiroz: Black Stars Must Shine Against Colombia

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has sought to downplay the significance of his past with Colombia as the Black Stars prepare to face the South American side in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup.

Queiroz, who managed Colombia between 2019 and 2020, will come up against several players he once coached, including captain James Rodríguez and Bayern Munich forward Luis Díaz.

His tenure saw Colombia reach the quarter-finals of the 2019 Copa América before his departure following heavy World Cup qualifying defeats to Uruguay and Ecuador.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Queiroz dismissed suggestions from Colombian media that he had strained relationships with senior players.

‘I don’t have that view that you do. I truly enjoyed and loved my work with the Colombian team,’ he said, recalling the challenges of coaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Portuguese tactician, appearing at his fifth World Cup as a coach, acknowledged that his familiarity with Colombia’s squad could be useful but stressed that Ghana must impose their own style.

‘We have to study the current Colombian squad, and not what was in place at another time. Of course we are very well aware of all the qualities that these players have,’ he noted.

Looking ahead to Friday’s knockout clash, Queiroz emphasized the need for focus and resilience.

‘Colombia are not perfect. A good team, not perfect. We are a great team, we are not perfect. It is going to be a great game regardless of the result. The Black Stars, we need to shine tomorrow,’ he declared.