Hearts of Oak manager Aboubakar Ouattara has set ambitious goals for the upcoming season, expressing the club’s determination to move beyond just avoiding relegation.
Following two consecutive seasons fraught with relegation battles, including a controversial final-day win last season to secure top-flight status, Ouattara is focused on significantly improving the team’s performance. The Phobians had to narrowly avoid defeat against Berekum Chelsea in the previous season to ensure survival.
In a press briefing held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Ouattara outlined his vision for the new season. “We’re starting to get a team. We want to have a good team for next season and play well for the fans,” he stated.
“Our goal is to avoid struggling and being close to the relegation zone. We want to do better than last season,” Ouattara emphasized.
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He also detailed his approach to team building, focusing on nurturing local talent. “I want to build a quality team of Ghanaians first. If we can’t find suitable players locally, then we will look abroad for foreign players.”
Ouattara also noted the alignment between the senior team and youth side Auroras, aiming to foster a seamless promotion process for emerging players. “The Hearts of Oak senior team and Auroras will play in the same way so we can easily promote players,” he explained.
Aboubakar Ouattara addresses internal issues
Addressing the internal issues that plagued the team last season, Ouattara acknowledged the impact of these problems on the club’s performance. “After the game against Bofoakwa Tano at WAFA Park, our problems started. The issues were internal and not with the board or management but within the playing body,” he said.
He further revealed that these issues intensified following the Samartex game, which also saw the resignation of the goalkeeper coach. “Experience is not always about the good, but sometimes about the bad. I try to find solutions and move forward,” Ouattara added.
As Hearts of Oak prepare for the new season, Ouattara’s focus on strengthening the squad and resolving internal challenges aims to build a more stable and competitive team.
The post We don’t want to be close to relegation zone – Hearts of Oak coach Aboubakar Ouattara first appeared on 3News.
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