Mohammed Salisu of Southampton boss, Ralph Hasenhutl, believes ‘it does not help that Mohammed Salisu did not take part in Ghana’s qualification journey to the 2022 World Cup, suggesting playing for Black Stars now will look opportunistic on the player’s part.
Mohammed Salisu, 22, has resisted many calls to represent the country of his birth, saying he is not ready.
After the Black Stars had booked a World Cup spot, many asked the Ghana Football Association to do everything within their power to get the player, while others think he should not be called.
Hasenhutl maintains that the decision to play for Ghana is solely for the players to make but suggests Mohammed Salisu has put himself in an awkward position by not playing the qualifiers.
“It is an interesting question, and we are always talking about it,” Hasenhuttl told Hampshirelive.
“I don’t know whether it changes now, but I think it doesn’t help because the team made it to the World Cup and they deserve to play there, and he was not part of it.
“But what happens in the future, I don’t know, it is his decision.”
Salisu has been in imperious form for the Saints this season, making 30 appearances.
He has the highest number of interceptions than any other player in the English top-flight this campaign.
Background
Otto Addo refused to shed light on Salisu’s situation but noted that he had “very good talks” with the centre-back two months ago.
“I got to know Mohammed [Salisu]. I went to Southampton I think two months ago, we had very good talks and for you to understand it will take longer,” the Black Stars coach told GHOne TV.
For an outsider, it’s easy to say he doesn’t want to come. But there are a lot of reasons and I understand him for his reasons.
“I really appreciate him for taking the time to explain his problems and I hope the time will come. It will come… he wants to play.”
Salisu is currently one of the best young players in Europe, having made an impressive start to the season at Southampton.
