Former Black Stars coach Chris Hughton has recognized the intense passion Ghanaians have for football.

Initially appointed as the team’s technical director, Hughton took over as head coach following Otto Addo’s departure after the 2022 World Cup.

However, his time at the helm failed to meet expectations. After Ghana’s early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where they were eliminated in the group stage, he was relieved of his duties.

“Working in Africa is very different. I worked for a nation that is football-mad. One thing Ghanaians love, apart from the Premier League, is the Black Stars,” Hughton told Voice Online in an interview.

The former Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest manager admitted he was aware of the immense pressure from the start, knowing that results would ultimately determine his fate.

“I knew the pressure of taking the job when I took it, and if you’re not getting the right results, then you will know about it.”

Following Hughton’s exit, Otto Addo was reappointed as Ghana’s head coach on a three-year contract.