I cannot replicate mean defensive system at Hearts as I did with Aduana, explains coach Herbert Addo

By Ameenu Shardow

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Herbert Addo insists he is not losing his grip as a master defensive coach at Hearts of Oak after seeing his side concede more than what they’ve scored so far this season.

The Phobians have defensively been in tatters in the First Capital Plus League – conceding 13 goals in just nine games having scored only 11.

Hearts’ alarming frailty at the back almost gave them away in their epic 3-2 win over Aduana Stars on Wednesday.

Fans are now beginning to doubt the competence of Herbert Addo who masterminded a solid defensive system that won Aduana Stars the Premier League in just their debut season in the Ghanaian top flight almost six years ago.

But the experienced trainer says he is unable to replicate such a mean defensive system at Hearts due to the current crop of players at the club.

“You have the players – in 2002, you saw what happened. It was the same Hearts of Oak,” he explained.

“We had quality strikers so we were just scoring because the best form of defence then was to attack.

“And because we had quality strikers we were scoring.

“I went to Aduana [in 2009] and we conceded only 10 goals the whole season, why?

“I didn’t have any striker because we only scored 19 goals in 30 matches so I had to adapt a system where by you could not penetrate easily so we were all defensive minded.

“Hearts [now] we have some good strikers and some good midfielders and we are shaping the team together. Why should I play defence?”