In the aftermath of a disappointing loss to arch-rivals Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has emphasized that the pressure is on the entire team, not just him.
Speaking candidly after the match, Ouattara reflected on the performance and the pressing need for points in the final stages of the league.
"We didn't play well. Kotoko took their chances, and we lost," Ouattara admitted. "I don't want to single out anyone for blame. I have to talk to the boys, to everyone, and to myself as well."
When asked whether he felt his team could have at least salvaged a draw, Ouattara was frank. "No, based on the match itself, Kotoko deserved to win. But before the match, we had a different expectation. Today, we couldn't live up to that."
Despite the ongoing struggles, Ouattara dismissed personal pressure but acknowledged the collective strain.
"Personally, I'm not under pressure. But as a team, we are all under pressure. Don't isolate me—it's the whole team. We need the players to step up and deliver."
Hearts of Oak, a club with a storied history and passionate fan base, finds itself in an unusual predicament as they battle to avoid relegation.
The coach is acutely aware of the stakes.
"Hearts of Oak is a big club. Many people don't associate relegation with us. But with each loss, the reality becomes clearer. We have three games left, and we need the points. There's no other choice."
Ouattara outlined a straightforward strategy for the remaining matches. "To get the points, we must score. And to score, we need to play a simple game. It's that simple."
As the team faces a crucial period, the unity and resilience of Hearts of Oak will be tested.
"We need everyone to perform. It's a collective effort. We have to pull together and deliver for our fans and for the club."
Despite the setback, Ouattara remained composed and appreciative.
As Hearts of Oak heads back to Accra, the focus now shifts to the remaining fixtures, where every match will be a battle for survival.
The coming weeks will determine whether the team can rally and preserve their prestigious status in Ghanaian football.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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