André Ayew’s statement provides insight into his exclusion from the Ghanaian national football team for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). Here are the key points from his version of the events:
Late Exclusion: Ayew mentions that he was scheduled to take a flight to join the national team for the CAN, but he received a last-minute phone call instructing him not to come. The sudden nature of the decision was surprising and, according to Ayew, shocking.
Coach’s Explanation: The coach reportedly justified Ayew’s exclusion by stating that he only wanted players at 100%. This is despite Ayew’s claim that there are several injured players in the team. The coach’s emphasis on having players at full fitness might have contributed to the decision.
Surprise at Indiscipline Claims: Ayew responds to rumors about indiscipline by stating that the coaching staff was aware that he would be late. This suggests that his late arrival might have been a known factor, and he expresses surprise at the indiscipline claims.
The statement raises questions about the communication between the player and the coaching staff, as well as the criteria used for player selection. The dynamics between players and coaching staff are crucial in tournament preparations, and situations like these can impact team morale and performance. It’s also important to note that Ayew’s account represents his perspective, and the team management might have their own reasons for decisions made during the selection process.