Hearts of Oak is bigger than any player – Aboubakar Ouattara on players pushing for their exit

Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has firmly stated that no player will be begged to stay at the club if they wish to leave, emphasising that the club’s prestige and future ambitions take precedence over individual desires.

In the wake of a challenging season, the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League champions are preparing for a fresh start with the goal of improving their performance.

Addressing the media on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Ouattara made it clear that he is focused on working with players who are committed and fit into his strategic plans.“Hearts of Oak is bigger than any player,” Ouattara decared.

“If my wife said she doesn’t like me anymore, I’ll open the door for her,” Ouattara said in response to questions about potential player departures.

He further stressed the importance of building a strong team capable of competing for trophies soon. “Hearts of Oak was created 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 to win the league tomorrow; we want to be at the top,” Ouattara asserted.

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Additionally, Ouattara criticised the nature of contracts between Ghanaian players and clubs, highlighting the lack of professionalism in their timing.

“It’s only in Ghana that I see a player’s contract end in September or December.Instead, he believes, “It’s not normal for a contract to end just a week before the league starts. It’s not professional,” he noted.

As Hearts of Oak gear up for the new season, Ouattara’s focus remains on assembling a dedicated and capable squad that aligns with the club’s long-term vision and aspirations.