We're not used to this Queiroz 'gruelling' training - Gideon Mensah

Black Stars defender, Gideon Mensah, has lifted the lid on the intense methods of new head coach Carlos Queiroz, revealing that players are being pushed through demanding twice-daily training sessions as Ghana ramps up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The AJ Auxerre left-back says Queiroz has introduced a radically different approach from what the squad has previously experienced, combining high-intensity training with strict standards away from the pitch as the Portuguese tactician attempts to mould Ghana into a team capable of making a deep run at football's biggest tournament.

"We have a new coach who comes with a new form of training and everything," Mensah told ghnanafa.org from the Black Stars' training base in Cardiff.

"It's something that we are not used to, but I think we are adapting very well. Today we had two sessions and yesterday was the same. We are building up very well."

The defender, who represented Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, described Queiroz as a coach with a clear identity and demanding standards.

"Every coach has his own way of working," he explained. "He has his own unique way of working, which comes with the training sessions and how we behave when we're in the hotel and everything else.

"The training sessions are very intensive. We're not really used to this, but we're going to the World Cup, so that's what we need. We are hoping everything goes well and that we continue like this."

Embracing the heat

With Cardiff experiencing unusually hot conditions, the Black Stars have been training in temperatures similar to what they could face during next summer's tournament in North America.

Rather than complaining about the weather, Mensah believes the conditions are providing valuable preparation.

"We're going to the World Cup and we'll be playing in the summer, so why not?" he said.

"It's very hot, but this is exactly what we need before the tournament. It's good for us to be out in the sun and make sure we're ready for the World Cup."

Responsibility of experience

Now on the verge of a second World Cup appearance, Mensah admits he feels a greater sense of responsibility within the squad.

Having spent eight years with the national team, the 27-year-old views himself as one of the experienced figures tasked with helping younger players navigate the demands of international football.

"For me, my family and my friends, it's a very good feeling," he said.

"To be going to a second World Cup in my career after being with the national team for eight years is something I'm very proud of.

"I feel like an experienced player now. I also feel I have a responsibility towards the new boys coming into the team, and that gives me a lot of excitement."

New coach, fresh uncertainty

Mensah admitted his latest call-up was not entirely guaranteed following the appointment of Queiroz.

After playing throughout the qualifying campaign under a different coach, the defender knew a new managerial regime could alter selection plans.

"I would say it was 50-50," he revealed.

"I expected it, but I was also a bit surprised because there is a new coach. The entire qualifying campaign was played under another coach.

"I just kept working hard at my club, training hard, playing every week and hoping the call-up would come. I always believed my performances would speak for me."

His consistency at Auxerre ultimately earned him a place in Queiroz's plans as Ghana prepares for a challenging Group L campaign.

Eyes on the knockout stage

While some supporters are already dreaming of a repeat of Ghana's historic run to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010, Mensah insists the Black Stars must first focus on the immediate challenge of escaping a difficult group containing Panama, England and Croatia.

For the defender, any discussion about winning the tournament must be grounded in realism.

"We want to do better than we did at the last World Cup," he said.

"The first objective is to get out of the group stage and then take it from there.

"Of course, we can dream about reaching the final and winning the World Cup, but it has to start somewhere. The most important thing right now is getting out of the group, and then we can see what happens next."