I’m not changing my style of play after 47 years – Black Stars Carlos Queiroz fires back at critics

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says he will not alter his football philosophy despite criticism of Ghana's style of play following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The veteran Portuguese coach has come under scrutiny after Ghana managed just one win in four matches at the tournament in North America.

Speaking to the media in Accra on Monday, Queiroz stressed that success in football is measured by results rather than aesthetics, insisting he has no plans to change an approach developed over nearly five decades in coaching.

"The only style I know is winning. Name one coach who lost their job because of style. Coaches are judged by results and not style. I am not changing that after 47 years," the 73-year-old said.

Queiroz also defended his team's approach at the World Cup, rejecting suggestions that Ghana deliberately adopted a defensive style.

"You think I didn't want us to have the ball at the World Cup? Give me a break. When we don't have the ball, our job is to fight until we have it back. Some call it defence, but I don't call it that."

The former Egypt coach acknowledged that differing opinions are part of the game but urged Ghanaians to unite behind the national team.

"Football is a game of opinions. Everyone can't go in the same direction, but the only time everyone has to go in the same direction is when it comes to the Black Stars."

Queiroz will take charge of his first competitive matches since the World Cup when Ghana begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign later this month.

The Black Stars open their Group C campaign away to Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

Ghana will then conclude the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October as Queiroz continues preparations for the AFCON qualifying campaign.