The Accra Hearts of Oak board has responded to certain comments made by the recently-sacked coach, Martin Koopman about the running of the football club by its management.
In an interview with Ghanasoccerpage.com, the Dutch coach expressed disappointment and frustration over his tenure as coach of the team, where he revealed some disagreements in his line of work along with the board’s demand; with strong emphasis on player selection and sidelining. This, he stated, gravely affected his team’s performance in the recent Ghana Premier League, where he was the first coach to be dismissed, before other coaches of the likes of Micheal Osei from Bibiani Gold Stars and Frimpong Manso from Samartex FC.
At a press conference which was held on Monday, December 4th, 2023 by the board, deliberations were made in relation to their former head coach, Martin Koopman’s claims about the club.
The board had issued a strong response to his recent allegations, vehemently asserting that they had granted him complete autonomy over player selection and management.
“The board finds Koopman’s statement very distasteful. The board has never said to any coach or Koopman that he shouldn’t use the players he mentioned. Koopman was solely in charge of player selection in the team. He was given full responsibility,” the board declared.
The board further clarified that Koopman worked with 28 players on board with the exception of just two players who were injured.
“On Koopman’s player selection allegation, we want to put on record that by the time we played our seventh league match, Koopman had used 28 players except two who were on the injury list.”
It was also stated at the press conference that Koopman appeared to be mature and experienced, which led to his appointment as Hearts of Oak manager.
“We went in for Koopman because we were looking for a coach with maturity and a coach with experience. He came up on top of the list of coaches before he was hired.”
The board further addressed the criticisms around their mandate therefore emphasizing their unwavering commitment tot the team’s interest and growth.
“The negative comments will not deter us from achieving what we have set for ourselves,” they asserted to the press.
Koopman was appointed earlier this season to lead the club in the ongoing season following the exit of former coaches, Slavko Matic and David Ocloo.
Looking ahead, the Phobians hope to reverse their current situation when they play their archrivals, Asante Kotoko on matchday 13 at Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, December 17.
–
Story by: Asack Pius | univers.ug.edu.gh
