My target for next season is to keep Hearts of Oak out of relegation – Aboubakar Ouattara

Hearts of Oak head coach Aboubakar Ouattara has set his primary target for the next season: to ensure the Phobians avoid a relegation battle.Last season, Hearts narrowly escaped relegation, securing their topflight status with a crucial win against Bechem United on the final day.The team finished 14th on the league table with 45 points, just enough to confirm their place in the Ghana Premier League for another season.Speaking at a press conference organized by the club, Ouattara outlined his objectives, saying, “My target is to ensure we don’t battle relegation next season. The supporters always want us to win, and any big team is expected to compete for trophies. But for now, our main focus is to build a solid team and avoid the relegation zone.”He further explained, “In football, fan agitation is normal. Man proposes, but God disposes. For instance, Wydad Casablanca and ASEC Mimosa, who are typically strong teams, have faced crises and failed to qualify for continental competitions. We need to focus on stability and gradual improvement. I can’t guarantee a trophy next season, but I am committed to building a team that can compete and stay clear of relegation.The Ghanaian giants are in the transfer market to strengthen their squad ahead of the Ghana Premier League campaign next season.Hearts of Oak will take on Hearts of Lion in the Ga Homowo Cup next month as part of their preseason preparations.