Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has made it clear that no player will be persuaded to stay at the club for the upcoming season. Amid reports that several players are eager to leave and with the club planning to part ways with 17 players, Ouattara emphasized that the club’s focus is on building a long-term project.
"The doors are always open for players who wish to leave," Ouattara said in a press conference on Thursday. "Hearts of Oak is bigger than any player. If my wife said she doesn’t like me anymore, I’d open the door for her."
Ouattara underscored the importance of a strategic, long-term approach to achieving success. "Hearts of Oak was established in 1911. It took almost 90 years to win the Champions League. Do you want to wait that long again for success? Our project is not just about winning the league tomorrow; we aim to be at the top."
The 2020/21 Ghana Premier League champions finished in the bottom half of the table last season and lost the inaugural Democracy Cup to Asante Kotoko. They will seek to win silverware in the upcoming Gbese Mantse Homowo Peace Charity Cup against Heart of Lions.
To strengthen the squad for the 2024/25 season, Hearts of Oak have signed goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Samuel Amofa, and former Nations FC players Asamoah Boateng Afriyie and Michael Awuah Mensah.
Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has candidly stated that he cannot promise a trophy for the upcoming season. His primary goal is to ensure the team avoids another relegation struggle.
Last season, Hearts narrowly escaped relegation by securing a vital win against Bechem United on the final day of the league, finishing 14th with 45 points. This victory confirmed their spot in the Ghana Premier League for another year.
At a press conference organized by the club, Ouattara clarified his objectives: “My target is to ensure we don’t battle relegation next season. While supporters always expect us to win and big teams are expected to compete for trophies, our main focus now is to build a solid team and stay clear of the relegation zone.”
He added, “Fan agitation is normal in football. Man proposes, but God disposes. For example, strong teams like Wydad Casablanca and ASEC Mimosa have faced crises and failed to qualify for continental competitions. Our focus should be on stability and gradual improvement. I can’t guarantee a trophy next season, but I am committed to building a team that can compete and remain safe from relegation.”
Ouattara’s emphasis on stability and team-building reflects a realistic approach to addressing the challenges facing Hearts of Oak, aiming for consistent performance and long-term success.
Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi has leveled serious allegations against the club, stating that they have neglected him following his injury and instructed him to leave.
Ghanaian goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi has accused Hearts of Oak of neglecting him following his 11-month injury, as he remains on the sidelines awaiting surgery.
Hearts of Oak head coach, Aboubakar Ouattara has disregarded the claims of winning the league next season and added his main target is to escape relegation.
Highly-rated defender, Kofi Agbesimah has completed a move to Ghana Premier League champions FC Samartex 1996 in the ongoing summer transfer window, with official club announcement very imminent.
