I expect much better: Otto Addo demands more intensity after Ghana’s defeat to Austria
28th March 2026
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Otto Addo has called for a sharp improvement in intensity from his players following Ghana national football team’ heavy 5-1 defeat to Austria national football team in Vienna.
The Ghana coach did not hide his frustration after the match, particularly with his side’s second-half performance, which he described as far below the level required for a team preparing for the World Cup.
“Second half was really, really not good enough at all. Everybody is playing for the World Cup, and we need to play with more intensity. I expect much, much more against the ball,” Addo said.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, the Black Stars had shown promise in the opening half, creating several clear-cut chances but failing to take them. Addo admitted those missed opportunities proved costly.
“At the end, I think we had a good first half, where we had some really, really good situations where we could have scored. Out of three or four situations, we at least should have scored one,” he noted.
The defeat marked one of the heaviest setbacks of Addo’s tenure, with the coach acknowledging it was an unfamiliar experience. “I can't really remember us losing like this. It was really, really disappointing,” he added.
Addo, however, believes the result could serve as a crucial learning moment, especially for younger members of the squad still adjusting to top-level international football.
“There are big, big lessons to learn, especially for our young players,” he said.
Attention now turns to Ghana’s next friendly against Germany national football team on Monday, where Addo will expect a strong response, with greater intensity and defensive discipline at the forefront as the Black Stars look to regroup ahead of the 2026 World Cup.