Former Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has firmly dismissed suggestions that players were imposed on him during his tenure at the club, insisting he always retained full authority over recruitment decisions.
The Ivorian tactician was appointed midway through the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season and remained in charge until the end of the 2024/25 campaign, after which he was relieved of his duties and reassigned to serve as technical advisor to the club’s board.
Speaking in an interview with Top Sports, Ouattara described claims that certain players were forced on him as false and misleading, stressing that while recommendations were sometimes made, the final say always rested with him.
“Nobody forced a player on me during my time. There were recommendations, though,” Ouattara stated.
The former coach explained that such recommendations are a normal part of modern football operations but maintained that he carefully evaluated every option and only approved signings he believed fit his technical and tactical vision for the team.
Ouattara also opened up about his departure from the head coach role, admitting he was deeply disappointed by the decision. According to him, the timing of the change was particularly painful as he had already mapped out a detailed plan for the club’s future.
“I felt disappointed after I was informed to perform the role of the Technical Advisor because I had a template to put into reality as the head coach,” he added.
His comments shed further light on the internal dynamics at Hearts of Oak during a period of transition and underline his belief that he was denied the opportunity to fully implement his long-term project with the Phobians.
