Hearts of Oak head coach, Aboubakar Ouattara, is under increasing pressure following his team’s consecutive losses in the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League.
After suffering a 1-0 defeat to Dreams FC last weekend, the Phobians lost by the same margin to Bechem United on Wednesday at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.
These back-to-back defeats have left Hearts of Oak in fourth place with 36 points, raising concerns about their chances of competing for the league title.
When asked about the impact of the recent results on the team’s title hopes, an irritated Ouattara dismissed the idea that winning the league was the club’s primary target.
”Did I tell you the ambition is to win the league? Did I tell you that? Let’s be disciplined, here is not Makola market,” he responded.
As the journalist pressed further, arguing that a club of Hearts of Oak’s stature should be aiming for the title, Ouattara called for patience.
“Go and look at the table and make your own judgment. There are 12 matches left, and that means 36 points are still available. Let’s finish the league first. On June 8, we shall talk about the league,” he stated.
Ouattara’s remarks contradict his previous statements made in an interview with Asempa FM last month, where he outlined his ambitions for the club.
”My target for Hearts of Oak is to win a domestic trophy, qualify for Africa, achieve a glorious name, and go forward. This is my focus,” he said.
”To compete in Africa, you need to win the league or a trophy in Ghana before earning the opportunity. So, let us work on it and move forward. For Hearts of Oak, the future is bright.”
The Phobians now shift their attention to a crucial match against league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars on Sunday at DUN’s Park, where they will seek to return to winning ways and revive their season.