Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has sent a clear warning that the Black Stars are in Europe to work, not for leisure, as the team prepares for high-profile friendlies against Austria and Germany.
The Black Stars will face Austria in Vienna on Friday before travelling to Stuttgart to take on Germany on Monday, in what are expected to be stern tests against elite European opposition.
Ahead of the fixtures, Ayew emphasised that every opportunity to represent the nation carries immense significance, and the squad is approaching the matches with the seriousness they deserve.
“We want to play for our country; we want to do well for our country. So, every game is important,” Ayew said.
The forward expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, noting improvements across tactical, technical and physical aspects during training in Vienna.
“I think we are preparing well tactically, technically, physically. We really look good,” he stated. “I don’t want to talk too much because obviously we’ve had a couple of days of training and what I’ve seen is positive. So, we’re ready for tomorrow.”
‘We are here to work hard’
Ayew was unequivocal about the team’s mindset, dismissing any suggestion that the players were treating the matches as a routine exercise.
“We are going to try to put in our best performance. Obviously, I think we are not here for holidays. We are here to work hard, to perform and to get good results,” he said.
“You know, it will not be easy, but it will also be the best chance to be successful tomorrow. It’s going to be a tough game, a very tough game, because it’s a high-performance team.”
The captain also placed the friendlies within the context of Ghana’s broader ambitions, particularly as the team builds towards future international tournaments including the FIFA World Cup.
“Going into the World Cup, I think it’s not for me alone but it’s a positive thing for us. As players, we are really looking forward to it, so let’s see how it goes,” Ayew added.
“We have the ambition to come and get good results tomorrow. We are not coming here just for holidays or just to work. We are here to work hard, to perform and to get good results.”
The two friendlies are expected to provide head coach Otto Addo and his technical team with a valuable assessment of the squad as Ghana continues its preparations against top-tier opposition.
