Former Asante Kotoko boss Maxwell Konadu has pinned the team’s poor form on the character of the players indicating that they lack the confidence to play despite their talents.
The Porcupine Warriors have dropped to 10th place on the Ghana Premier League table owing to their recent struggles, particularly in the second round of this season’s campaign.
After eight matches in the round, he 2021/22 champions have only managed a win and lost six games which has ultimately plummeted the club down the ladder from third place.
Maxwell Konadu, now coach of Nsoatreman led his side to compound Kotoko’s woes by inflicting a 2-1 victory on them at the Baba Yara Stadium. The defeat further deepens the team’s problems as they are now the worst home side in the league losing three on a bounce.
However, Konadu believes, the players are deserving of their place in the team but need a bit of boldness to compete in such a high-profile competition.
“I don’t believe it is a coaching issue; when the players play, it is clear that they are afraid,” the former assistant Black Stars coach remarked after the game.
“The demands placed on the players appear to put them under additional strain; they lack the character required to play as a Kotoko player, which I believe is their issue.”
“This is the critical moment for the players to have the support of the media and fans. Much pressure from these stakeholders will not help matters; instead, fans should support the technical team and playing body in order to turn things around.”
“The players are not bad, none of them will be a benchwarmer at any GPL club, but they appear to panic when playing,” he added.
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Meanwhile, a few weeks ago, Prosper Ogum was blamed for his recruitment strategy at the club with questions arising about his decision to sign players from lower-tier leagues to a renowned club like Kotoko.
“Otumfuo’s name can’t be disgraced to this level,” Wilberforce Mfum, a club legend complained on Akoma FM. “Why was he (Ogum) been given so much power to purchase players singlehandedly? Kotoko deserves top-class players who can fill the stadium with supporters, not lower-division players like we currently have.”
Asante Kotoko 1-2 Nsoatreman
Sack or keep Prosper Ogum? #3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/YcChAE7H29
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) April 11, 2024
The management of the club has, however, declared a supportive stance for the former West Africa Football Academy boss assuring fans to believe in his abilities to overturn the tide.
“Head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum remains at post, contrary to speculations about his imminent dismissal,” a statement dated March 27, 2024 said.
“In our quest to achieve this, various steps have been taken, including an emergency meeting with the coaching staff and not the dismissal of the head coach,” the statement clarified.
In their next GPL match, Kotoko will pay a trip to Dawu to take on Dreams FC. All eyes will be on Ogum and his boys as they aim to restore the club’s mighty form which once led them to glory under the same manager two seasons ago.