Kotoko game not a title decider

kwame

July 22, 2016 9:48 AM

"A win will be important for us because they are five points down and we will open to eight points if we win, but don't forget there are still ten matches to play" - Sergio Traguil

Hearts of Oak coach, Sergio Traguil has said that the game involving his side and Asante Kotoko will not decide who wins the 2015/16

While Kotoko succumbed to a 4-1 defeat against relegation threatened Ebusua Dwarfs, their second heaviest loss to the Cape Coast-based club, Hearts pipped Berekum Chelsea to open a five-point over the fiercest rivals ahead of the 'Super Clash' on Sunday.

A win for the Phobians will give them 8 points advantage over the Porcupine Warriors, and football-loving fans from Hearts' perspective reckon the gap will be huge for Kotoko to come back.

However, Sergio says the result in Sunday's encounter will have negligible effect on who will succeed Ashanti Gold.

"A win will be important for us because they are five points down and we will open to eight points if we win, but don't forget there are still ten matches to play --- 30 points to fight for. Medeama SC, Wa All Stars, Aduana Stars are coming stronger, and all the teams are fighting for points. A win will boost our chances, but this game, I don't see it as the title decider," the Portuguese trainer told Pulse.com.gh at the club's training ground.

Having lost this year's President's Cup in his first encounter with the Porcupine Warriors, pressure will be mounting on the former Kaduna United coach to secure a favourable result on Sunday to keep his spot at the summit of the table.

However, he is adamant every game is different and that, there is no pressure on him to have a special training for the fixture.

"The last game? We are not thinking about it. We are working as if we are first, second or last on the table. The game itself is enough motivation so we are working the same way, the same intensity.

"We try to improve every day and we are concentrating to get better. We are always thinking about ourselves here, we are concentrating on our job, our performance and not thinking about others. If we do respect our strategy, if we respect our style of play, if we respect our movement and our decisions, I know we will manage to get the 3 points. There's no pressure.

"We are coming with all our might and getting the 3 points is our objective. We want to go to Kumasi, face a very tough opponent, face one of the best teams in Ghana, face our rivals and try to get the three points," he said.

Last week, Sergio Traguil called on Hearts' supporters to support the team no matter who is at the helm of technical affairs. He reiterated that the club belongs to the fans and their backing is priceless.

"The Club belong to the supporters and they should always come and support us no matter the results. The team needs them and they should always support whether the team. I am only a coach, I give instructions to the boys and they do the rest.

"So whether we are winning or losing or drawing, first place, mid-table or last, they should always support the team because that gives them extra energy and motivation to fight for points to meet our target," he noted.

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