Former Hearts of Oak defender Caleb Amankwah has raised doubts about coach Martin Koopman’s complete control over the selection of the team’s starting players in the ongoing league season.
Despite Koopman taking the helm at the beginning of the current season, the team has faced challenges and secured just one win in their five matches played.
Amankwah is skeptical about the extent of the Dutch coach’s authority in choosing the starting lineup, suggesting that Koopman might not have full control over this aspect of the team.
“Martin Koopman is not fully in charge of picking the starting players during matches at Hearts of Oak, that is how I see it. I don’t think he is fully in charge.”
Amankwah also pointed out that external pressures and the arrival of new players might be influencing the selection process. While new coaches often lean on experienced players, it seems that some new recruits are being pushed into the starting lineup at Hearts of Oak.
Amankwah elaborated, “You may recall the coach’s comment about lacking a striker after a drawn game this season, such as the one against Dreams FC. But it might not be entirely the coach’s fault because he inherited the striker, Kashala Ramos, who was already signed.
“Ramos might not fit his preferred style of play, but external pressures force him into the lineup. With a new player who hasn’t previously experienced the Ghanaian league, it’s unrealistic to expect immediate goal-scoring success.
“What’s needed is the support of some experienced players to aid his adaptation.”
