With expectations rising ahead of the tournament, Gyan believes unity, patience and tactical discipline will be crucial if Ghana is to make a meaningful impact on football’s biggest stage.
The all-time leading scorer for the Black Stars acknowledged that the Portuguese tactician faces a difficult task, especially with limited time to fully implement his ideas before the World Cup.
However, Gyan insists the coach deserves the backing of the nation as he attempts to rebuild confidence and guide the team toward success.
Speaking in an interview with 3Sports, Gyan urged supporters to stand firmly behind the coach and the players during this important period.
“We have a coach whose time is limited. We have to give him the hope and support to qualify.”
The former Sunderland and Al Ain striker also highlighted one of the major concerns surrounding the current Black Stars team — their defensive struggles.
Ghana has shown flashes of attacking quality in recent matches, but recurring defensive lapses have continued to expose the team against strong opposition.
According to Gyan, improving the team’s defensive organization must become the immediate priority if the Black Stars are to compete at the highest level during the World Cup.
“We should be more defensively sound not to concede before we can think about other things. We should be more defensively sound in our game before we think about other things. If we don’t fix our defence, opponents can penetrate easily because it looks like now we are conceding in every game.”
Drawing inspiration from Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and Ghana’s memorable campaign at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Gyan stressed the importance of defensive discipline in tournament football.
He believes a solid structure at the back can give Ghana the platform needed to compete against elite nations.
The former Black Stars skipper explained that while he is not part of the technical team, his comments come from experience and a deep desire to see Ghana succeed once again on the world stage.
“If we are able to be more defensively sound, like what the Moroccans did in Qatar and what we did in 2010, I think it is something that will help. I’m not the coach, but that’s my advice.”
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Gyan’s comments are likely to resonate with many Ghanaian football fans who are eager to see the Black Stars return to their best.
With a new coach in charge and renewed belief around the team, the hope remains that Ghana can once again make the nation proud on the global stage.
