Ghana defender Marvin Senaya has credited head coach Carlos Queiroz with transforming the Black Stars since his appointment, describing the Portuguese manager as a father figure after an encouraging start to his tenure.
Queiroz, who took charge of the national team in April less than two months before the FIFA World Cup, has overseen an unbeaten start to Ghana’s campaign and quickly established a strong relationship with his players.
Speaking about the influence of the experienced coach, Senaya said Queiroz’s leadership had inspired the squad both on and off the pitch and played a significant role in the team’s disciplined displays during the tournament.
“Frankly, I see him as a father,” Senaya told ESPN.
“He leads us, he guides us a lot, he speaks to us a lot about fighting, about combats. Honestly, he inspires all of that, and I think you can see it on the pitch.”
The Black Stars have enjoyed a positive start to the World Cup under their new coach. A 1-0 victory over Panama was followed by a goalless draw against England, leaving Ghana in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time since 2010.
Their final group match comes against Croatia on Saturday, with a victory or a draw enough to guarantee progression to the Round of 32.
Even if Ghana were to lose, the Black Stars could still advance as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, provided results elsewhere do not combine in an unlikely manner.
Senaya believes Queiroz’s influence has been central to the team’s performances, particularly their organisation and discipline.
Since taking charge, the Portuguese coach has reshaped Ghana into one of the tournament’s most defensively organised teams. The Black Stars have yet to concede a goal in the competition, underlining the immediate impact made by the new manager.
The defender expressed hope that Queiroz would continue to steer the team through the remainder of the tournament as Ghana seek to extend their World Cup campaign.
“I hope that he continues to guide us in the same way and that he can help us go as far as possible in the competition,” he added.
Queiroz inherited the role only weeks before the start of the World Cup but has quickly earned the confidence of his squad through his leadership and approach to man-management.
The early results have reflected that growing belief within the camp, with Ghana producing organised performances to put themselves within touching distance of the knockout phase.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s meeting with Croatia, where the Black Stars know that avoiding defeat will secure their place in the Round of 32.
With defensive solidity underpinning their campaign and confidence growing within the squad, Ghana will head into the decisive fixture hoping Queiroz’s guidance can help them take another step towards a deep run in the tournament.
