Otto Addo Warns Black Stars Players: “In Today’s Game, Everyone Can Beat Everyone” Ahead of Austria Friendly
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has called on his players to maintain sharp focus and show full respect to every opponent, warning that no team can be taken lightly in modern international football.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Ghana’s friendly against Austria, Addo emphasised the need for a professional and disciplined approach, especially after a string of high-profile matches.
“In today’s game, honestly, everyone can beat everyone,” Addo said. “We saw that in the recent FIFA World Cup, where unexpected results became the norm. No team should be underrated, and that is the mindset we need to carry into the Austria game.”
The Ghanaian tactician acknowledged the reputation of traditional powerhouses like Germany, whom the Black Stars will face just days later on Monday. However, he made it clear that his team’s immediate focus is solely on Austria.
“Germany is a big name in world football, no doubt about it. But right now, I’m not thinking about them,” Addo explained. “Our full attention is on Austria. It’s important to respect every opponent, no matter who they are.”
Addo’s comments reflect his philosophy of treating every match with the same level of seriousness, regardless of the opponent’s ranking or history. He stressed that maintaining concentration and humility will be key to achieving positive results in the upcoming friendlies, which form part of Ghana’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars are expected to take on Austria in a friendly encounter this weekend before facing Germany.
Source: Pre-match press conference with Otto Addo
