In response to critics claiming he is not imposing himself on Ghana’s games at the ongoing 2022 Fifa World Cup, midfielder Thomas Partey has explained he is doing his best by following instructions given to him by head coach Otto Addo.
Some Black Stars fans and observers have been left wondering about the Arsenal star’s failure to replicate his club form at international level.
Ghana lost to Portugal then beat South Korea in close Group H games that ended in 5-goal thrillers.
Responding to accusations of a perceived lackadaisical attitude, Partey explained his primary objective is to play to satisfy the needs of the team and not seek personal glory.
“Most people will surely expect more from me, but we are playing as a team.
“I listen to the coach and try to do what he has asked me to do correctly for him to be happy.
“In the end you know you can do something better, but you need to stick to what the team wants and not be individualistic.
“I guess I am doing my best, trying to help the team as much as I can,” he stated in a pre-match press conference Thursday ahead of the final group game against Uruguay.
Sticking to the plan
Partey also emphasized that the Black Stars are ready for the game on Friday which will determine whether they can continue participating at the Mundial in Qatar.
It is the first meeting between Ghana and Uruguay since their South Africa 2010 quarterfinal clash which the latter won on controversial grounds.
“We want to show we are capable of anything. This is a different game and we need to stick to our plan.
“I was very young and playing colts in Ashiaman. It was a game of football, and anything can happen. We had the chance to score the penalty, but we were unlucky and the ball didn’t go in.
“We know what we are going to do. We are going into this game well-prepared. We know what we have to do to be able to win. We have worked hard and stayed to the ground of our coach,” Partey stated.
Ghana will take on Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium. Kickoff is at 15:00 GMT.
