- Hearts of Oak coach Ouattara feels no personal pressure.
- Team loses 2-0 to Kotoko, dropping to 14th place.
- Ouattara says pressure is on the whole team, not just him.
- Three remaining matches crucial to avoid relegation.
Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara has made a bold statement, asserting that he is not under personal pressure to deliver despite the team’s recent poor form in the Ghana Premier League. This declaration comes on the heels of their 2-0 defeat to arch-rivals Asante Kotoko in the highly anticipated Super Clash on Sunday.
The match at the Baba Yara Stadium saw Kotoko’s Steven Mukwala score twice, resulting in a second consecutive victory over the Phobians. This loss has plunged Hearts of Oak to a precarious 14th position, just two points above the relegation zone, increasing the anxiety among their supporters.
Despite the growing concerns, Ouattara remains focused on the collective effort required to ensure the team’s safety. He acknowledged that the team’s recent performance has been subpar, stating, “That’s the reality of football. When you can’t score, you can’t win. We didn’t take our chances today, and Kotoko were the better side. Congratulations to them.”
Reflecting on the match, Ouattara admitted the team’s shortcomings. “We lost the game because we didn’t play well. I don’t want to single out anyone for blame; I will talk to the boys about our performance. When the match started, I felt Kotoko deserved to win, but I had different expectations before the game.”
Ouattara emphasized that the pressure is not on him alone but on the entire team. “I’m not personally under pressure; the whole team is under pressure. We need points, and it’s a collective responsibility,” he stated.
With three matches remaining, Hearts of Oak must secure crucial points to avoid relegation. They are set to play Nations FC and Great Olympics at home and Bechem United away. Ouattara stressed the importance of these upcoming games. “In the three remaining games, we need the points. We don’t have any choice. To get the points, we must score, and to score, we need to play simple football,” he added.
As the season draws to a close, Hearts of Oak will need to rally and deliver strong performances to ensure their survival in the Ghana Premier League. The team’s recent form has raised concerns among fans, but Ouattara’s calm demeanor and focus on collective responsibility offer a glimmer of hope.
Hearts of Oak’s remaining matches will be crucial in determining their fate, and the team must capitalize on their chances to avoid relegation. With Ouattara at the helm, the team will need to regroup and refocus to achieve their goal.
The pressure may be mounting, but Ouattara’s emphasis on collective responsibility and simple football offers a way forward for Hearts of Oak. As the season enters its final stretch, the team must come together to ensure their survival in the Ghana Premier League.
Hearts of Oak’s fate will be determined by their ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial points in their remaining matches. With Ouattara’s guidance, the team can still turn their season around and avoid relegation.
