Newly appointed interim head coach of Asante Kotoko, Abdul Karim Zito, has cited player complacency as a major challenge facing the club as he begins his tenure with the Porcupine Warriors.
Zito, who officially replaced Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum earlier this week, addressed the media on Wednesday, outlining his observations and plans after his first interactions with the squad.
He is tasked with reigniting Kotoko’s campaign in the Ghana Premier League and steering them through the crucial stages of the FA Cup.
“We met the players, we saw their predicament, so many problems,” Zito said during his press briefing.
The experienced coach expressed concern about the off-pitch atmosphere within the team camp, which he believes is negatively influencing on-field performances.
“We went to the clubhouse and I saw that they feel so comfortable. I don’t know Hearts of Oak, but I know Dreams FC — if sometimes human beings feel so comfortable, they forget their target in life,” he explained.
Zito emphasized that football management isn’t just about tactics, but also psychology, stating that comfort without accountability can be dangerous for ambitious teams.
“So it is our problem not only on the field of play, and that is why as a coach you need to study psychology,” he noted.
The former Dreams FC head coach is expected to inject fresh energy and discipline into the Kotoko squad as they gear up for a decisive home match against Aduana Stars this weekend.
With the title race heating up, Kotoko will need to rediscover consistency and focus to stay in contention for silverware.