The squad assembled in Accra on Monday to prepare for the double-header against Cote d'Ivoire and The Gambia, as well as an international friendly against Morocco.
Speaking at a press conference at the Accra Sports Stadium, Queiroz said the problems had emerged only 72 hours before the opening qualifier but insisted they were being addressed.
“This wonderful team, we have a couple of goals, we are taking in some water, we have a couple of holes in our boat, but we keep sailing,” he said. “Our job in the last 48 hours is to fix those issues.”
Queiroz confirmed that Thomas Asante would join the squad, while left-back Anang, Mohammed Fuseini and Adjetey were also expected to come in. Seidu has joined after returning to action, while Ghana are still attempting to confirm another centre-back and another centre-forward.
The coach said the squad had been selected following extensive research into players around the world, taking account of form and match fitness. He acknowledged that some players lacked sufficient minutes, adding that 10 potential options were unavailable when the original list was announced on Friday.
“We arrive Monday, players arrive today and Thursday we have a game. There is no room for great decisions, no room for development, only room to deliver,” Queiroz said, distinguishing the AFCON qualifying campaign from the World Cup.
He thanked the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the people of Ghana for their support and confidence during the World Cup, saying they had “suffered with us” and “enjoyed the World Cup with us”.
Queiroz described the qualifiers as the start of a new journey, with immediate qualification the priority while Ghana also develop a team capable of competing at future World Cups and African competitions.
He said Mohammed Kudus had initially appeared to be recovering well, but the situation changed after the midfielder played “70-something minutes”. Following a final conversation, they decided protecting his recovery was the best option.
“He can take the risk of a step-back, and nobody wants that,” Queiroz said. “We hope with more training and games in the next round, Kudus will be ready.”
The coach added that Ghana’s progress depended on more than performances on the pitch, highlighting player development, youth education, facilities, infrastructure, logistics and medical support.
He also called for greater availability and consistency in selection, after once having 12 players unavailable.
“You can't change 7, 8, 10 players every time the national team plays and expect to succeed,” he said. “Availability, commitment and accountability are key words for success.”
Queiroz said his football philosophy was simply “the winning style”, insisting coaches lose their jobs because they do not win, rather than because of their style.
Ghana face Cote d'Ivoire in Bouake on Thursday, September 24, before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, September 29.
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