Although tactics are important, the Black Stars’ all-time leading scorer believes attitude overshadows tactics when it comes to winning difficult matches.
Gyan, who aspires to become a coach after retirement, discussed why mindset matters during Guinea’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) round 16 match against Gambia.
“My philosophy, I think the coach is here to guide you. The coach does his formation, teaches you the basics but I think 70% will come from the players’ mentality going into a game like this. Because when you are going into a game, sometimes tactics don’t even count, you just go there ‘I am going to beat you whether I’m going to punch your face to beat you” you have to do it. So going into a game like this tactic count, the coach gives you the basics but it’s more about mentality.” Asamoah Gyan said.
Gambia’s debutants beat the Syli National 1-0 at the Stade Omnisports de Bafoussam stadium in Cameroon to eliminate Guinea.
Asamoah Gyan, 35, has yet to retire from football because he believes he still has some left in him.
In earlier Super Sports interviews, the former Sunderland player stated that a career in coaching appeals to him, and that he will not hesitate to try it out after retirement.
“It’s another career so if I want to go into coaching, then I have to make up my mind but it is another career and I need to try and get a coaching license but not think about the national team. If I think am capable of handling the national team in the future, why not? But I need to get the license first.” He said.