‘We have the squad to beat Austria’ — Otto Addo fires warning ahead of friendly
Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness ahead of their international friendly against Austria, describing the encounter as a crucial test of Ghana’s preparations for upcoming global competitions.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Addo said he expects a demanding contest against a tactically disciplined Austrian side known for its high-intensity pressing style.
“We're very pleased to be here. I think it will be a very, very interesting game tomorrow. Surely, we expect an intense game. As all the Austria matches are, and everybody knows they have a coach who likes to press high, a little bit of Red Bull school. So, this is what we expect. We know that they are very, very good side, very, very physical, very, very high intensity, with a lot of runs. The profiles of the players are really, high. They play good clubs. But we also have good players, good footballers.”
The Ghana coach described the match, as well as the subsequent fixture against Germany, as an important opportunity to test his squad against top European opposition after a prolonged period away from the continent.
“It will be very, very interesting for us after a long period to play in Europe against a European team. I think both teams will be very, very good test match.”
Addo confirmed that the team would be without key forwards Iñaki Williams and Brendan Thomas-Asante due to injury but indicated that their absence presents an opportunity for other players to step up.
“If somebody gets injured, it's always not a good situation. I think Iñaki had a good form, and Brendan came back from his injury. Before that, he also scored a lot of goals. So, yeah, I'm really, sorry for them. But it will be a good possibility also for the others to show themselves. I'm very, very happy that the team seems to be in good shape. Ransford Königsdorffer came to replace them and he’s been good. I think we have to focus on what is ahead of us. There's no time and there's no need to look behind who could be here and who did not. A lot of other players are also injured, and I hope that everybody will be ready, at least, for the World Cup.”
Despite acknowledging Austria’s strengths, Addo maintained that Ghana has the quality to compete and potentially secure victory.
“I think we have a good squad to beat Austria. I think in football anything is possible. This is football. To be honest, everyone can beat everyone. I'm very, very sure. We saw it at the last World Cup that there's no team to be underrated. Surely, Germany is a high-profile team, but to be honest I'm not thinking about Germany now. So, for us, it's the full focus on Austria. We want to win every match we play. This is for sure. And now the full focus is on Austria. We saw what they do. We analysed them well. I'm very, very hopeful that the players will do it at the end. It's about them. The focus on Austria and we know what to do.”
He stressed the need for flawless execution of the game plan, noting that Ghana must match Austria’s intensity and tactical discipline on the day.
“We now have to execute the plan perfectly. Like I said, it will be an intense game. This is what we're looking forward to. They have a good team, but we will face them squarely. They have a good coach, a man who understands the game s well so we can take things lightly. We just have to get the job done here and after the match, we will think about Germany.”
Addo also highlighted the quality within the Austrian squad, singling out experienced players such as David Alaba, while insisting Ghana has the resources to match their opponents.
“They are good, they play well. They have some experienced players in the side. Tactically sound because of the man who is coaching them. David Alaba is very experienced. Their midfield is also very strong, and they have a strong frontline but like I said we have the materials to match them.”
The Black Stars coach emphasised the importance of such high-profile friendlies as part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup, particularly given Ghana’s group-stage opponents.
“It’s always important to play high profile matches before the World Cup. We have two European teams in our Group, so it was impetrative that we get the right opposition as we build up to the World Cup. We face Croatia, a very impressive side in their last three international competitions as well as England who have a good squad, so we needed to prepare well, play some good matches and it is the reason why we are here. For Austria, they will face Algeria in the Group phase, and they needed it as well. Algeria may not be the same as Ghana, but they come in with physicality and so I am sure they will some good lessons from us as well.”
The match against Austria is expected to provide a strong indication of Ghana’s readiness as the team continues to build towards the World Cup, with a second high-profile test against Germany to follow.
