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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Arthur Ferridge

Carlos Queiroz quits Ghana job as shock statement issued

Carlos Queiroz - (AFP/Getty)

Carlos Queiroz has stepped down from his role as head coach of the Ghana national team for the second time this year.

The former Manchester United assistant and Real Madrid boss took over the Black Stars in April, mere weeks before the World Cup, after Otto Addo was sacked.

Having enjoyed just one warm-up match before the tournament kicked off, Queiroz installed a pragmatic system and steered Ghana to a last-32 exit at the hands of Colombia.

He resigned his post following that match, before making a surprise U-turn and signing a new contract on September 2, just eight weeks later.

That afforded him a further two matches in charge of the Black Stars, which yielded AFCON qualifying defeats by Ivory Coast and Gambia by an aggregate score of 6-2.

Following those results, it seems Queiroz is gone for good, as it was confirmed in an open letter he and the Ghanaian FA had mutually terminated his contract.

He wrote: “This was not an easy decision, but both parties agreed that, under the present circumstances, ending our professional relationship was the most appropriate course of action, with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football above everything else.

Carlos Queiroz has left the Ghana national team by mutual consent (AFP/Getty)
Carlos Queiroz has left the Ghana national team by mutual consent (AFP/Getty)

“I came to Ghana determined to help build a stronger future for the Black Stars and support the development of the country’s talent. Despite our commitment and efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully established, and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end.

“I leave with respect, gratitude and pride.”

He continued, calling on Ghana as a nation to throw their support behind their team: “I pay tribute to the players of the Black Stars. Thank you to all of them who represented Ghana with courage, commitment and pride. You fought for your country and carried the hopes of millions.

“Believe in these players. Protect them. Support them. The talent and potential are there. With unity, support and the right environment, this generation can achieve great things for Ghana.

“Ghana comes first. The Black Stars come first. Ghanaian football comes first. Thank you, Ghana. To the Future.”

While he did well to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup with so little time to prepare, Queiroz will be best remembered for failing to get the best out of a hugely talented Ghana squad. He, as with his predecessors, could not get Antoine Semenyo on song or make proper use of the wealth of Premier League talent at his disposal.

His replacement has not yet been announced, with the Black Stars not due to return to the pitch until November.

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