Derrick Köhn has issued a firm warning ahead of Ghana’s upcoming international friendly against Germany national football team, insisting that familiarity with opponents will not stand in the way of a competitive performance.
The Union Berlin defender, speaking in an interview on Sporty FM, said that while he regularly comes up against German internationals at club level, those relationships will count for little when the two nations meet on March 30 in Stuttgart.
The match is part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Otto Addo using the fixture to assess his squad against top-level opposition.
Köhn, who plays in the Bundesliga, said his weekly exposure to Germany’s top players gives him valuable insight, but stressed that it will not affect his approach during the international fixture.
“I know a lot of players from the Germany national team because I play every week against them. But on the field, we’re not friends. We want to beat them,” Köhn stated.
The 27-year-old left-back suggested that his experience competing against elite German talent could prove beneficial for Ghana, particularly in understanding the tactical strengths and tendencies of their opponents.
However, he made it clear that any off-field familiarity would be set aside once the match begins, with the focus firmly on securing a positive result for the Black Stars.
The encounter with Germany is expected to be one of the most significant tests for Ghana in the lead-up to the World Cup. Facing a four-time world champion provides an opportunity for the team to measure its readiness against one of the game’s most established sides.
Ghana’s preparations come amid a challenging group-stage draw for the tournament. The West African side will face England national football team, Panama national football team, and Croatia national football team in what is expected to be a demanding campaign.
Matches such as the upcoming friendly against Germany are therefore seen as crucial in helping the team fine-tune tactics, build cohesion, and test players against high-calibre opposition before the tournament begins.
For Köhn, the fixture also represents a personal milestone, coming up against players he regularly encounters in domestic competition, but this time on the international stage.
His comments underline a broader mindset within the Ghana camp one focused on competitiveness, discipline, and a determination to prove themselves against elite teams.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Ghana’s clash with Germany offers not only a test of ability but also a statement of intent and, if Köhn’s words are any indication, the Black Stars will not be approaching it as a friendly in anything but name.
